(From C. H. Spurgeon’s Morning Devotions April 18)

She bound the scarlet line in the window. {Joshua 2:21}

Rahab depended for her preservation upon the promise of the spies, whom she looked upon as the representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but very obedient. To tie the scarlet line in the window was a very trivial act in itself, but she dared not run the risk of omitting it. Come, my soul, is there not here a lesson for you? Have you been attentive to all your Lord’s will, even though some of his commands should seem nonessential? Have you observed in his own way the two ordinances of believers’ baptism and the Lord’s Supper? These neglected, argue much unloving disobedience in your heart. Be henceforth in all things blameless, even to the tying of a thread, if that is commanded.

This act of Rahab illustrates a yet more solemn lesson. Have I implicitly trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord, as with a Gordian knot in my window, so that my trust can never be removed? Or can I look out towards the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things in connection with its blessed power? The passerby can see a cord of so conspicuous a colour, if it hangs from the window: it will be well for me if my life makes the efficacy of the atonement  conspicuous to all onlookers. What is there to be ashamed of? Let men or demons gaze if they will, the blood is my boast and my song. My soul, there is one who will see that scarlet line, even when from weakness of faith you cannot see it yourself; Jehovah, the Avenger, will see it and pass over you. Jericho’s walls fell flat: Rahab’s house was on the wall, and yet it stood  unmoved; my nature is built into the wall of humanity, and yet when destruction strikes the race, I shall be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet thread in the window afresh, and rest in peace.