Quiet Time Coaching Episode 472 | New Thing Series — Part 27 | “Rahab’s Obedience” | Malcolm Cox

Quiet Time Coaching Episode 472 | New Thing Series — Part 27 | “Rahab’s Obedience” | Malcolm Cox

 

Introduction

A new thing! I'm Malcolm Cox. Welcome to your daily devotional podcast anchored in Isaiah 43:19: 'See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.'

 

We are currently looking at God doing a new thing in the life of Rahab. Today we explore Rahab’s obedience.

 

“The men said to her, “We will be released from this oath that you have made us swear to you if we invade the land and you do not tie this crimson cord in the window through which you let us down, and you do not gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your family. If any of you go out of the doors of your house into the street, they shall be responsible for their own death, and we shall be innocent; but if a hand is laid upon any who are with you in the house, we shall bear the responsibility for their death. But if you tell this business of ours, then we shall be released from this oath that you made us swear to you.” She said, “According to your words, so be it.” She sent them away and they departed. Then she tied the crimson cord in the window.” (Joshua 2:17-21 NRSV)

 

“So the young men who had been spies went in and brought Rahab out, along with her father, her mother, her brothers, and all who belonged to her—they brought all her kindred out—and set them outside the camp of Israel.” (Joshua 6:23 NRSV)

 

Rahab’s obedience

• We cannot be certain as to the origin of the significance of the crimson cord, if there was one.
• In itself it is insignificant. A piece of cord is not an important object. Except, that it is — in this context.
• Can you imagine how carefully she tied it to the window? I'm sure it was the tightest knot she ever made.
• I wonder if she had some scarlet cord handy? Perhaps she had some blue or green cord. That was not good enough. She not only put the code in the window, but made sure it was the right colour.
• Did she risk people asking her why she had put the cord out of her window? How would she explain it?
• Her obedience was immediate, precise and courageous.
• Her face was demonstrated in this obedience. What saved her was not the chord, but her faith in the God who revealed the significance of the cord for her salvation.

 

“You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.” (James 2:24-26 NRSV)

 

For Reflection

We are baptised into Christ as an act of obedience. Something very profound and significant happens in our baptism, but it is not magic. Sins are washed away not because we get wet, but because we have faith in God. He saves us because we trust him to do so.

 

Why not take some time today to pray to thank God for your Salvation and ask him to continue to live a life of trusting obedience?

 

Conclusion

I hope you find your heart, your life, your congregation and your world inspired by God doing a new thing. Until tomorrow, take care, and God bless.

 

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community.

 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

 

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"Carpe Diem" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)

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