Binding the Cord

And the men said to her, “Our lives for yours even to death! If you do not tell this business of ours, then when the Lord gives us the land we will deal kindly and faithfully with you” (Joshua 2 v. 14)

Current thoughts and ideas roaming in my head are numerous. I am behind in so many creations—from creating classes, producing Bible lessons, crafts, starting seeds, and even this week’s Wednesday reflection appears on Friday. Woo wee, right? Yet, I am taking things in stride or sometimes even slide across hardwood floors in warm socks to remind myself that everything will come to pass sooner rather than later. Just enjoy the process, I say. Just enjoy it! A simple form of faith? Or perhaps resilience? Or even knowing that prayers come to fruition when my heart continues to expand and recognize the minute elements of God’s generous gifts. Yes, my heart has been expanding, more and more, and so effortlessly! I am pleased.

Rain is welcomed this time of the year, and on this morning as I rushed outside to put the last bit of thrash in the green bin—thrash pickup has been extremely earlier than usual lately; therefore, it was important to get out there as soon as possible. As I opened the top of the bin, my hand was greeted with a thick sheet of ice. I immediately thought “Yesterday I wore flip flops, now what is this all about? Geez!” How easily I forget, huh? How easily we all can forget!

Giving much attention to what Jesus has done for us, requires remembrance of how completely fortunate we are. His persistence through God was universal, which displayed His saving purpose. However, the paradox we must come to realize is that we all have moments when we sidestep or even deviate from the Truth. A mumble here, a mumble there. Ingrained jealousy, envy, anger, bitterness, greed, covetousness, pride, arrogance, lack of discipline, interpersonal problems, self-pity, rebellion. I could go on! These preoccupations with the self, are dangerous and derive only from what’s carried in the heart. But change comes when we allow God’s Spirit to work in us (Ephesians 5 vv. 18-20), when we learn how to love God’s way (John 3 v. 16; 15-17), and when we are compassionate, kind, humble, gentle, and patient (Joshua 2 v. 21; Colossians 3 v. 12).

Allow me now to reflect a wee bit on Rahab (Joshua 2).

Rahab means the proud one, a broad space, pride, or arrogance. Although there are many historical interpretations of her important existence in the Bible, several scholars align with the supposition that Rahab prefigures the church. The church that converts the prideful into the humble. In addition, numerous biblical interpreters depict Rahab as faithful (James 2 v. 25), patient, merciful, hospitable, and compassionate. Despite her chosen profession and the lie she told, it is in the inkling of her generosity and obedience she cared for God’s sacred and ensured her salvation. Rahab, one of the primary persons to assist Joshua and the Israelites in seizing Jericho (Joshua 2 vv. 15-16), likewise, saved her entire family.

And Hebrew 11 v. 31, tells us:

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given friendly welcome to the spies.”

Earlier, I bravely shared on some of the self-created matters we carry as women. You know, those alarming and destructive behavioral patterns, consistently holding us back from utter joy and peace in Christ. To corroborate with why our reliance on God’s Word is the most important aspect of change, I now return to one encouraging element of trust Rahab showed.

Before the spies left, they said to Rahab:

“Behold, when we come into the land, you shall tie this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and you shall gather into your house your father and mother, your brothers, and all your father’s household.” (Joshua 2 v. 18). Keeping these verses in context, the spies said a few more words to Rahab. “And she said, “According to your words, so be it.” Then she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” (Joshua 2:21).

Ambrose’s comments:

A Sign of Faith. A harlot saw this; and she who in the destruction of the city lost all hope of any means of safety, because her faith had conquered, bound a scarlet thread in her window, and thus uplifted a sign of her faith and the banner of the Lord’s passion; so that the semblance of the mystic blood, which should redeem the world, might be in memory. So, from outside the city, the name of Joshua was a sign of victory to those who fought. From within, the semblance of the Lord’s passion was a sign of salvation to those in danger. On the Christian Faith 5.10.127. (Intervarsity Press)

Origen’s comments:

The Window a Figure of the Incarnation. In that the sign hangs in a window I think this is indicated: A window is that which illumines the house and through which we receive light, not wholly but enough, enough to suffice for the eye and for our vision. Even the incarnation of the Savior did not give us pure wine and the whole aspect of divinity, but through his incarnation, just as through the window, he makes us behold the splendor of the divinity. For that reason, so it seems to me, the sign of salvation was given through a window. Homilies on Joshua 3.5. (Intervarsity Press)

Two tremendously different interpretations, yet both bring us to Christ. The entire Bible takes us to Christ! We must allow it to mold us, and so create change into and for us. When we view these precious words and permit them to alter beliefs and perceptions, we can then comprehend their significance. The only way the Bible becomes about us, is at the very moment we understand, that living God’s way must be transmitted into complete willingness to drop disparaging behavioral patterns and commit ourselves to Jesus. Our love for Christ is demonstrated by our submission to God’s Word. In this and only this, rewards come (1 Peter 1 v. 17). If we believe our cords of faith are steadily loosening, we must tie them tighter through the likeness of devoted hearts! Let’s become entrenched in God’s Word. Let’s live in and for His presence in our lives!

With love, 

Charlotte

Sources:

Ambrose and Origen Comments: Oden, T.C. & Hall, C.A (2005). Ancient Commentary on Scripture-Joshua. Intervarsity Press

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Who was Ambrose? Ambrose of Milan (c. 333-397). Bishop of Milan and teacher of Augustine of Hippo.

Who was Origen? Origen of Alexandria (c. 185-254). Influential exegete and systematic theologian who focused on the spiritual meanings of God’s Word.

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