Scripture Reading: Joshua 2:1-24, Joshua 6:22-25
We live in a world abundant with symbols. Wedding rings commonly adorn left hands as tokens of the commitment between a couple. God showed the world a rainbow to share His promise to never again destroy the earth with a flood. In my own life, I’ve seen a red thread as the symbol of “fate” (as the legends say), that connected the hearts of my adopted sisters to their forever family. Today’s passage reminded me of another red thread.
This cord isn’t just a rope; it became a symbol of her faith and the means of her salvation. In Joshua 2, Rahab used a scarlet cord to help the Israelite spies escape from Jericho. The spies Joshua sent gave her instructions to use it as a sign—to tie the scarlet cord in her window so that when they attacked the city, her household would be spared.
I like to think about this rope symbolically. I see it as something tangible to hold onto—like the Hebrew spies actually did—but she had to use it to hold onto the promise that her loved ones would be spared. By displaying it, she took the risk of being seen as a traitor to her own people by publicly declaring her allegiance to the God of Israel. The scarlet cord reminds me of the color of the Passover lamb’s blood. The Hebrews used it to cover the doorframes of their homes in Egypt, the sacrifice that allowed those inside to be passed over when the death angel visited. And like the Hebrew people, Rahab’s act of putting scarlet outside her home was a tangible expression of her faith. She trusted the Lord with her life. She took the belief she had in the power of God and acted on it, and God spared her.
This passage prompts me to consider what I hold onto and what God’s plan is for me. What are the scarlet cords in my life I can look to as promises from God to trust in His plan? In many ways, Rahab’s scarlet cord is a challenge to me. It makes me pause to ask questions of my faith, to consider if I am living my life visibly and bold. How am I helping God’s people and standing up to those opposing Him?
Whether it’s through acts of kindness and common grace, standing up for what’s true and honorable, or testifying to what God’s done in your life, we ourselves can be symbols of hope in a world desperately looking for the way to safety. Let’s consider how we can, like Rahab, demonstrate our faith in ways that bring protection and blessing to others!
Written by Canaan Chapman
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88 thoughts on "Rahab"
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I love the details mentioned by another commenter in Rahab’s story and how they were no accident, but God woven through every single detail. Around the world today as it has been for generations, pockets of cities tend to have “red light districts”. They carry a very negative connotation for the sinful behavior that occurs there. God used Rahab, the prostitute for His good and His glory—such an unlikely choice, but I love that God saw her, and used her. It gives so much hope to others bound in a lifestyle that they don’t want to be in, but need to make a living for their children and themselves in order to survive. We used to attend a church in SE Georgia, that had an amazing outreach ministry to women in the sex trade. We would love on these women week after week, taking meals, building relationships, learning about their families, sharing the Gospel with them, and so much more. My hope is that the “red light districts” around the globe can be transformed into a beacon of hope and light that no longer is associated with sin, but of the Salvation of Jesus, redemption, and restoration available through Him. Oh how amazing that would be! What man meant for evil, God meant for good! Let’s band together as the people of God, like Rahab, take a courageous stand, and allow God to use us mightily in order to advance His Kingdom and bring more and more people to Himself.
Helping others is one way to show gratitude to our Father for his grace and mercy ❣️
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I have always loved the story of Rahab and there are 2 very differing aspects that stand out to me. First, it reminds me to not be judgemental of people and their circumstances or make assumptions based on what we see without considering their hearts. Many would discount a prostitute as one that would be used in such a powerful way and dismiss how she would be instrumental in fulfilling the Lord’s plans and purposes. Shame on me for having such limited, narrow-minded and critical thoughts.
Secondly it’s the question posed in the devotional. “What are the scarlet cords in my life I can look to as promises from God to trust in His plan?” This list is long and I can’t overlook the countless ways the Lord has been so faithfully present in my life.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that continually brings me back to examine my own heart, to see how your mighty hand has and is moving. Give me your eyes Lord, align my heart with yours allow me to see others as you do and grow my faith and trust in your plans and purposes never missing the red cord of your love that is woven in and present in it all. Amen❤️
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I’ve always loved this “salvation” account. God took the least likely person – a prostitute, and used her to bring His people victory and to demonstrate His redeeming power! I wonder what led the spies to her instead of another home, but ultimately I know it was God’s providence. God chose Rahab and she trusted in Him, therefore – she and her whole family were spared. She would one day go on to be the mother of Boaz and the great, great grandmother of King David and to be listed among those in the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah! — all because she chose to trust God, put her own life in danger & hide the Israelite spies!
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Oh that I would have the courage and boldness of Rahab when it comes to standing up for my faith and the gospel!
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@Teresa Donley – continued prayers for Amanda, and for you!
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Have a blessed Thursday She’s!
There is something beautiful about our God, about faith in Him, something transformational, impactful, the imperishable seed from within, that will transpire into actions, real actions, real courage, real boldness, real display (subtle, symbolic, or whatever the extent). Not just surface words, speculations, feelings and just feelings. That’s how we see the fruit of faith, not just leafy and fruitless, but true display of fruit that saves the nation. But lookie here, there are lives saved, and also lives lost, a city gained, and a city burned down. There will always be a side that celebrates, and a side that mourns. So be sure to not join into your enemies’ sorrows for the God-ordained defeat. Choose you this day which king you will serve. Rahab misled her own earthly king to claim allegiance to the King of Heavens, by helping his earthly servants, his chosen people. That is not for the faint of heart. Rahab is the superhero who doesn’t wear a cape. May we have the same courage, discernment that we and our families may be saved. The Lord’s way is always narrow. Stay within the boundaries of God’s house, God’s laws, God’s teachings, be careful to observe, don’t be careless to overlook or laugh it off or blur the lines, our lives depend on it, let the book of law be on our mouths and be meditated within our heart, put on the scarlet cord, don’t come out of the boundaries of “the House”, or our death is caused by our own fault, not God’s. Bring your father, mother, brothers, and all your father’s family into your house, to be saved. Wow. I am praying for all unsaved loved ones, who are still resisting Jesus and refusing to come into THE house, maybe one day, when the city is under siege, whatever that situation might look like, there will still be time. May they call to Him when there is still time. Sigh. Be blessed dear sisters.
Yes, Amen! So good Mercy!
Yes, sigh, our lost (and prodigal)…
Our son and dil (M&B) were both raised in the church but seem uninterested now (son disinterested since his early years). Not attending any church and maybe leaning toward some new age ideologies?? Please pray that God would soften their hearts, open their eyes, and do mighty works for their salvation. And praise that our other children/spouses are walking with the Lord. I do have much guilt/regret about not being the mom I should’ve been in a lot of ways but especially in ”training up a child”…
It seems quite a few of us have prodigals/lost in our families/lives. Sharon Jersey Girl, you mentioned recently you have a long list of prodigals you pray for. Would you or one of you dear ladies who is gifted at compiling prayer lists consider making a list of our prodigals/lost and posting it so that those of us who are compelled could screenshot it and pray over them regularly? Or are there just too many to list?? :(
This community is so precious—wise, discerning, insightful, so kind to pray over each other and so brave in sharing hard things for our encouragement. Thank you!
B thank you for commenting and sharing your heart! I will pray for your son and his wife. Are you on our FB page? Maybe we could compile make a list there and pin or something.
Thank you so much for your prayers. It means so much. I try to pray through the comments daily. What a wonderful group of prayer warriors you all are!
As helpful at times as it could be for me to be on social media, I have elected not. Thank you though! It is so great all the creative ideas you and so many other sisters have to encourage our SRT community!!
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Precious B, I have a list of prodigals in my prayer journal and I pray over them every day. I will add your son and DIL. I know it must be heartbreaking to see your child turn away from the Lord. Don’t be caught in the trap of blaming yourself, dear sister. They have a free will and that isn’t your fault. Praying that you can have peace as you wait for them to “come home”. ❤️
Can I ask you to add:
DD, WmT, JA to your list of prodigal?! Thank you Sister.
Thank you so very much ❤️
Joining dear she’s to pray for our prodigal loved ones. No one is too far gone. The Lord is still able to fulfill the impossible.
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Dear Shes
As prompts the devotion…
“Let’s consider how we can, like Rahab, demonstrate our faith in ways that bring protection and blessing to others!”
This is a heavy consideration. One I continue to puzzle upon about our country. There are persons among us who fear deportation; who suffer unemployment; who are threatened by the revocation of grant funds & research dollars; who may lose medical coverage; and this is only a short list of woes & wrongs. I grieve with them & challenge myself to find ways to engage rightfully & meaningfully.
Rehab took an extreme life or death risk. With trust & testimony. I hear a calling to show “compassion & common grace”, to live my faith “visibly & boldly”? How, what, when, where?
Christ be my scarlet cord.
Your last sentence reminds me of our society’s view of prostitutes; where many would condemn Rahab to a scarlet letter, she got a scarlet cord of salvation. So beautiful, especially if you remember the novel The Scarlet Letter and who the baby’s father was. It adds a whole new layer of meaning to Christ taking away our shame.
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Amen, Gwyneth. Challenging ourselves to find ways to engage rightfully and meaningfully says it so well. I pray that if I find myself in a position to do so, I can be as brave as Rahab.
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This is a story about choosing to align with G-d and G-d’s people. Rahab chose to align herself with God and G-d’s people.
I feel that of all the people that lived in that city,G-d orchestrated a divine encounter for her with the spies. G-d picked her to be in the lineage of Jesus.G-d knew her and chose her and she chose G-d.
This was not a coincidence or happenstance or lucky.
G-d chose a prostitute and not a princess. She wasn’t even an Israelite.
G-d is an amazing G-d.
Yes, Tanya!
A prostitute, not a princess.
An outsider, not an Israelite.
A woman, not a man.
Yet storied & saved!
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Good morning, Ladies!
I just can’t tell you enough how much you all mean to me!
I don’t post often, and when I do I feel as if I’m just asking for prayers and not really offering wisdom. But I wanted to share how much your prayers have meant and how God has been working…
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Yesterday we were at the Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis for Steve’s MRI and doctor consult. This always brings a certain amount of worry. However, once again, Steve’s scan showed no evidence of the Glioblastoma reoccurring. Three and a half years ago Steve was diagnosed, had surgery, and we spent 7 weeks at Mayo in Rochester, MN having chemo and radiation. Then we drove to Midway, KY and met with Dr Jim Roach who put Steve on many natural supplements. And when Steve was diagnosed he was given 12-14 months to live. He has survived for 3.5 yrs!!!
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In November of 2023 Steve developed an autoimmune disease called Vasculitis. He lost feeling in his legs from the knees down and in his hands and fingers. That was a 2 month long hospital stay with another 6 weeks in a rehab hospital learning how to walk with a walker, and then a cane (with no feeling in his feet!)
He hasn’t been cured of those things, but he has a little movement in his feet and hands now and yes, when he walks he resembles a 6’4” toddler. But he is alive! And improving!
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Seven months ago, we found out that our dental lab was struggling with an overwhelming amount of debt when our accountant quit suddenly. We had to go in and sort thru an enormous amount of debt, with sales struggling to even be enough to pay current bills. There were days we came home feeling beat up and weary and hopeless.
Well, again, God has seen us through this mountain! Today I can tell you that our sales have continually increased, we were able to consolidate some loans at a much lower interest rate with much lower payments every month, and we have almost completely paid off all of the past due invoices!! And if you look at it on paper…it makes no sense! But God…
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I haven’t read today’s lesson yet but I wanted to thank all of you for your unceasing prayers! I praise God for how he has grown our faith more than anything else! He is the steady Rock in our lives!
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Hugs to all of you! ❤️
Praise the Lord! What encouraging answers to prayer in such difficult situations! Thank you Lord for your faithful hand at work and your favor in these❤️
Very encouraging! God does answers prayers and He is real and alive in our lives! How do people live without Him?
Wow, what a beautiful testimony! Your faith is so strong and so encouraging to me. I’m so sorry you went through so much but I praise God for bringing you out of it.
Praising God with you and Steve! Continued prayers for healing and financial favor.
God is making a way!
Praise the Lord for your wonderful updates. Hugs and love to you sweet Sue.
Oh, GramsieSue, I’m praising God for the answered prayers and miracles He has worked in your and Steve’s lives.
Wow..wow..Sue!! Amazing, Praise God!! Thank you so much for sharing! We should constantly be sharing how God is doing miracles all the time still!! Our story..His Glory!! Amen!
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Dear Sue, so glad you and Steve made it thru the financial storm and that he is also improving. God is so good. Thanks for the update. You’re in my prayers.
SUE, that’s such outstanding news and deserves all of our praises! Thanks so much for sharing this incredible testimony! God bless you and Steve even more. ❤
PRAISE THE LORD, precious sister!!! GOD IS SO GOOD AND FAITHFUL!!! ❤️
PRAISE GOD!!!
Praising God for your awesome testimony of His goodness and mercy!!!
Everything erased! Happy THursday! Out of time.
Thank you, Canaan, for the personal connection and the prompts in your devo! So much to chew on! ❤
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I read this on Got Questions. Lots more to the article worth reading.
Excerpt:
“Theologians and Bible students sometimes refer to “the scarlet thread running through the Bible.” By this they mean that the Bible’s theme is Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for the redemption of mankind. The blood of Christ runs throughout the entire Bible, symbolically. It is seen in the animals killed in Eden to provide garments for Adam and Eve, the ram that took Isaac’s place on the altar of Moriah, the Passover lamb, the institution of the sacrificial system, the scarlet rope of Rahab, and the thousands of years of sacrifices performed at the tabernacle and temple. The scarlet thread runs all the way up to John the Baptist’s declaration, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) and to the foot of the cross, where Jesus finally says, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
‘Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness’ (Hebrews 9:22), and that’s why the symbolism of the scarlet thread in the Bible is significant. The scarlet thread is the theme of atonement found throughout the pages of Scripture.”
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
Dear Cee Gee
I thought too about the New Testament echo of the resurrected Christ. The two spies went up into the hill country for three days. Then came down with a plan & a promise.
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Not only did Rahab understand that these were men of God, she acknowledge the realness of their God and the great works he had done! Stories had traveled to her people. She was a prostitute, but that didn’t matter. God doesn’t hold our lifestyle against us, we can come as we are…and choose Him, have faith and trust that it is the right choice, the only choice. He gives mercy and grace to EVERYONE, no matter their deeds! This is such a beautiful thing! That’s why I love to go to our local jail each week and give them love and hope! God loves them, and wants them to chose Him..to believe He IS the God of wonders and miracles, creator of everything, and that that too can have his mercy and grace, no matter what they have done and where they are. To see women stripped of all the facade and lifting their hands singing songs of praise, is such a beautiful sight to see and be a part of. One lady, as she opens in prayer for us, gets on her knees in front of us, as she prays. It is really a surprising sign of laying down her pride. It speaks volumes in that climate to the other women, just like the raising hands in the songs. It is not caring what and who people think you are..but knowing WHO God is.
They are going to have an amazing testimony and story to tell if they leave the old. Just like Rahab, she had to not only trust…but live with God’s people. We must make a clear, distinctive turn and live in a new understanding that we are new, the old is gone. We must have restoration and TRANSFORMATION after our encounter.
I was one way before and I was another after, and the difference was Him! That is our testimony. We want to understand the power of Jesus that changes our life and transforms us. What is your transformation story?! Do you know how to share it when giving the opportunity?
Yes! I think it is so important to share one’s story. We never know what someone might be dealing with, and it could hit home for them.
Yes, Tricia.
God works out rescue in oft unrecognizable ways!
Rhonda, I love your enthusiasm for sharing your personal story of God working in your life.
I love the story of Rahab because it’s a reminder that God can use anyone for the furtherance of His kingdom! The people that we discount as a society are not discounted by God. He is faithful & just & merciful. Thank You Lord for seeing us & using us accordingly!
Amen. God loves to take the discounted and use him for His Glory!!
This story hit me this morning it never has before. I love how the Word continually brings us new perspectives and new revelations each day!
Lord,
Like Rahab, I come to You in faith—trusting Your power, Your mercy, and Your promises.
Even when I don’t see the whole picture, I choose to believe.
Give me courage to obey, even when it’s costly, and boldness to stand firm in my trust.
Thank You for seeing past my past and giving me a place in Your purpose.
I place my life in Your hands—use me for Your glory.
Amen.
Amen ❤️
“Thank You for seeing past my past and giving me a place in Your purpose”.
Amen & Amen, Kimberly!
Amen
This morning as I dusted (I was restless), I lifted up my Nativity that I leave up to remind me of the gift that Jesus was and is to me.
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Thank you Churchmouse, for that idea..
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It’s funny how people often say, oh you forgot to take that down, or Christmas has been and gone, or you’re a tad early for Christmas..
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I love to tell of Jesus, that He is not just for the festive season of Christmas, but ALL year round!
He is not just for the presents on 25th December, but for me, it is about His presence in my life, daily..
The Nativity, reminds me that His birth, life on earth and subsequent death ion the cross was for me, for us. Everything He did, everything He gave, everything He said, was for us. A confirmation of God’s love for us and the lengths He would go to to show us just how much..
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Thank you Father God, Thank you Jesus for the gift of You. May I always speak of you as such, my Savior, my Hope, my Life..
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BUT GOD..
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AMEN.
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Blessings this sunny Thursday, dear hearts.. ❤️❤️❤️
I leave my Nativity up all year round as well
Amen! I love that you leave your nativity up year round!
So beautifully shared, Tina! Hugs from sunny South Carolina! ❤
Churchmouse….Sweet Tina, I was just thinking our her recently. We miss her! We tired to find out if she’s still with us, but was unable to find out. Love you sweet Tina!
Tina,
I also leave a nativity scene up year-round. I started doing that, like you, after Churchmouse talked about it. It is such a wonderful reminder and also can be a talking point for those who come and wonder why there is a nativity up. Jesus is my Savior all year long not just at Christmas.
I am very grateful for rehab and how she stood up for her family and herself. God chose to use her in the ancestral line. He could’ve used anybody. He chose to use a prostitute. I really think it is to remind us that it doesn’t matter where we come from, God has a plan and a purpose for our lives.
And, Tricia C, Rahab won assurance that if she honored her commitment, not just her, but her entire family would be spared!
I sadly haven’t seen Churchmouse’s comments in a long time:(….
This is the first year I’ve left my nativity up all year. I love looking at it and thinking about the gift of Jesus.
I leave one of my nativity sets up too ❤️
One more thing about Rahab:
“Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse,
and Jesse fathered King David” (Matthew 1:5-6).
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She didn’t stay “outside the camp of Israel.” She, and her family, became a part of the covenant people of God. ❤️
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TRACI – glad you popped in yesterday.
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Thankful for you, ladies.
Continuing to pray for you and your requests.
I love that God had a plan for Rahab. Weaving her into the story of jesus’ lineage..
I have goosebumps..
Praise the Lord, O my soul..❤️
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Hey Kelly
People muse today about the “rogues & rascals & rebels” in their family tree. (With its own backstories!) Rahab was exactly where God wanted to be & who He wanted her to be.
I love the story of Rahab. It shows that tender side of our Father that never ceases to amaze me. A heathen prostitute believed an Unknown God so much to the extent that she was willing to lay down her life for Him.
And He acknowledged her fragile faith by weaving her, a heathen prostitute ,into the lineage of His Greatest Gift.
I love my God.
I know, right?
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What a story..
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Praise God..❤️
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Loving the way you put this, dear Adoma!
Help me live boldly for you Lord!
I love the story of Rahab so much. And this devotional was spot on. I will be thinking about the red cords in my life today. Am I living my life visibly enough that others see God clearly? Am I being kind and full of grace? Am I testifying to what God has done in my life? Am I being a symbol of hope to a world devoid of it? I want to be like Rahab, and demonstrate my faith, to be courageous like Joshua, and fight my battles with God by my side. What a great study this has been!
Great questions to ask ourselves
Am I living my life visibly so others can see God clearly..
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Ummmm, I hope so..!❤️
Love this!!
Love this!! I remember a pastor posing the question “If you were arrested today for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?”
Mine too, he repeated that question so often :) Always about the evidence.
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Amen❤️