Rahab staked her life on the promise of those spies, seeing them as representatives of Israel's God. Her faith was simple and firm, but notice this—it was obedient. Tying a scarlet cord in a window? Such a trivial thing! But she dared not leave it undone.

Come now, my soul, isn't there a lesson here for you? Have you been careful to obey all your Lord's commands, even the ones that seem non-essential? Have you observed in his own way the two ordinances of believers' baptism and the Lord's Supper? If you've neglected these, it reveals much unloving disobedience in your heart. From this day forward, be blameless in everything—even to the tying of a thread, if that's what he commands.

But Rahab's act teaches something far more solemn. Have I trusted completely in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied that scarlet cord in my window like a Gordian knot, so that my trust can never be removed? Can I look out toward the Dead Sea of my sins, or the Jerusalem of my hopes, without seeing the blood, and seeing all things connected to its blessed power?

Anyone passing by can spot a bright scarlet cord hanging from a window. It would be good if my life made the efficacy of the atonement just as obvious to everyone watching. What is there to be ashamed of? Let men or devils 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 your weak faith 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 smites the race, I shall be secure.

My soul, tie the scarlet thread in your window afresh, and rest in peace.