Rahab (3)

‘…You were redeemed from the empty way of life…with the precious blood of Christ...’ 1 Peter 1:18–19 NIV

What she trusted in, stood, when what everybody else trusted in, fell. What did Rahab trust in? Her morality? No, the Bible says she was a harlot. Her nationality? No, she was a Gentile, and therefore excluded from the blessings of Abraham. So what did she trust in? A scarlet cord! What a beautiful picture of the power and protection afforded us by Christ’s shed blood. ‘You know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect.’ Notice what the blood of Jesus has rescued you from: ‘The empty way of life.’ Do you remember when you had no interest in church because your soul was at war with God; the God who brokered peace between you and Himself? ‘And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled.’ (Colossians 1:21 NKJV) How did it happen? ‘…Having made peace through the blood of His cross.’ (Colossians 1:20 NKJV) You say, ‘But I still fall far short of God’s standards.’ We all do. And God has made provision for that: ‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.’ (1 John 1:9 NKJV) When Joshua’s troops saw the scarlet cord flying from the window of Rahab’s home it meant she was accepted by God. And Christ’s blood does that for you.