Then Rahab let the spies down by a rope through the window. (Her house was built as part of the city wall; she lived in the wall.) She told them, “Head to the hill country, so the ones chasing you don’t find you. Hide from them there for three days, long enough for those chasing you to return. Then you can be on your way.” The men said to her, “We are not bound by this oath you made us swear unless the following conditions are met: When we invade the land, tie this red rope in the window through which you let us down, and gather together in your house your father, mother, brothers, and all who live in your father’s house. Anyone who leaves your house will be responsible for his own death – we are innocent in that case! But if anyone with you in the house is harmed, we will be responsible. If you should report what we’ve been up to, we are not bound by this oath you made us swear.” She said, “I agree to these conditions.” She sent them on their way and then tied the red rope in the window.
Rahab and two spies, Joshua 2:15-21
Rahab did not live a life that was pleasing to God. She ran a business that exploited other people, but she did fear God. The story of this unlikely hero provides an excellent picture of our situation and God’s Christmas gift to us.
Just as Rahab’s city was about to be invaded and destroyed by the Israelites, the Bible says that the world is about to be invaded by the judgment of God. Acts 17:30-31 says that God “now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained.”
There is only one place where we may find safety and deliverance. Just as the Israelites were told to remain in their houses with the crimson blood of the Lamb dripped down their door posts, just as Rahab was told to remain in her room with the crimson cord tied to the window, so we must be under the protecting, saving power of the crimson blood of Christ.
There’s an old song that says: “What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. Oh! Precious is the flow that makes me white as snow; No other fount I know, Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
Now, can you imagine how diligently Rahab sought to get her family into that room? The invasion was imminent, and nothing else mattered to her except to get her father and mother, her brothers and sisters and their children into that place of safety. It’s the same kind of diligence we see in the apostle Paul as he scurried about the Roman Empire, begging everyone he met to come to Christ for salvation. It’s a picture of the burden we should have for our own loved ones who do not know Christ.
Our hope for you today is that you are found under the protection of the blood of Jesus, and that you have a sense of urgency as you seek that salvation of your loved ones.
Bonus Content:
The beloved hymn that you heard quietly playing in the background today’s podcast is called ”Nothing But The Blood of Jesus.” This hymn is only one of many that were written by Dr. Robert Lowry. Dr. Lowry was an excellent preacher, but he is remembered for his hymns.
He is quoted as saying, “I would rather preach a gospel sermon to an appreciative, receptive congregation than write a hymn,” in spite of his preferences, his hymns have been translated into many languages, evangelizing and comforting thousands people. As a preacher his sermons changed those who had the blessing of hearing but as a song writer his thoughts have become a part of the expressed emotions of Christians around the world.
As you read his words think of how great a debtor we are to Christ’s expression of love through His shed blood.
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain:
O precious is the flow
that makes me white as snow;
no other fount I know;
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon this I see:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my cleansing this my plea:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Nothing can for sin atone:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Naught of good that I have done:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my hope and peace:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
This is all my righteousness:
nothing but the blood of Jesus.
With much love,
The Downings
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Thank you very much for this timely message and beautiful hymn.