“She bound the scarlet cord in the window” (Joshua 2:21)  

It’s not surprising that Rahab was a harlot. What’s interesting is she’s included in the “Hall of Faith”. “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace” (Hebrews 11:30-31). James cites her as an example of faith in action: “Was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?” (James 2:24). It’s not enough to say you believe…are you willing to obey God? “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My Word” (John 14:23).

 Rahab threw in her lot with the covenant people of Jehovah. She made this statement of faith: “I know that Jehovah has given you the land … for Jehovah, your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath” (Joshua 2:9-11). But her faith was matched by her obedience. She was told by the two spies her family would be spared only if she tied a scarlet cord in the window. Imagine what would have happened if the soldiers of Jericho had seen it. But she trusted Jehovah to keep her family safe. Have you given up everything for God? Rahab gave up all her friends…all Jericho except her family were killed. She, and her extended family were folded into Israel. “Joshua spared Rahab the harlot, her father's household, and all that she had. So she dwells in Israel to this day” (Joshua 6:19). 

 How is your story going to end? Are you going to hang a scarlet cord out your window for all to see? Will you trust God to keep you safe? “What will a man give in exchange for his soul? For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:37-38).