Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
This sermon explores the symbolism of the scarlet cord in Joshua 2:17-18, emphasizing its representation of hope, salvation, and God's unwavering love.
Good morning, beloved family of God. Isn't it a blessing to be gathered here today, in the house of the Lord, surrounded by the warmth of our shared faith and the comfort of His everlasting love? Today, we are gathered to delve into the richness of His Word, to seek the wisdom that lies within, to find the guidance and reassurance that only scripture can offer.
Our focus today is the book of Joshua, chapter 2, verses 17 through 18. A passage that speaks volumes about symbolism, salvation, and the significance of the scarlet cord in our journey towards eternal life.
The scripture reads as follows: "The men said to her, 'We will be guiltless with respect to this oath of yours that you have made us swear. 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.'"
Now, what can we learn from this scarlet cord? What does it symbolize and how does it relate to our salvation? Charles Spurgeon, a man of great wisdom and faith, once said, "By perseverance, the snail reached the ark." This quote, though simple, carries a profound truth. The scarlet cord in our passage today is much like that snail. It may seem insignificant at first glance, but upon closer examination, it holds a great promise of salvation and an assurance of God's unending grace.
The scarlet cord in the book of Joshua is a powerful symbol that carries a deep spiritual significance. It's not just a piece of string, but a beacon of hope, a promise of deliverance, and a testament to God's unending love and mercy. This cord, dyed in rich scarlet, is a vivid reminder of the blood of Christ, shed for our sins, offering us salvation and eternal life.
In the Old Testament, the color scarlet is often associated with sin. Isaiah 1:18 says, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow." However, it's also linked to the idea of redemption and cleansing from sin. The scarlet cord in Rahab's window is a symbol of her faith and the salvation of her household. It's a foreshadowing of the blood of Christ, which offers salvation to all who believe.
In the New Testament, the scarlet thread continues to weave its way through the narrative. It's seen in the scarlet robe that was mockingly placed on Jesus before His crucifixion, a symbol of the world's sin that He was about to bear on the cross. It's also seen in the blood He shed, which cleanses us from all sin and offers us eternal life.
The scarlet cord is a powerful symbol of God's covenant with His people. Just as the cord was a sign of the promise made to Rahab, the blood of Christ is a sign of the new covenant God has made with us. It's a promise of His unending love, His mercy, and His grace. It's a reminder that no matter how far we may stray, God is always ready to welcome us back, to cleanse us from our sins, and to offer us salvation.
The scarlet cord also serves as a reminder of our responsibility to share the good news of Christ's love and salvation. Just as Rahab was instructed to bring her family into her house and tie the scarlet cord in the window, we are called to bring others into the family of God and to share with them the hope and salvation we have found in Christ.
The scarlet cord is a symbol that spans the entirety of the Bible, from the Old Testament to the New. It's a thread that weaves its way through the narrative, tying together the themes of sin, redemption, and salvation. It's a symbol that speaks to the heart of the Christian faith, reminding us of God's love, His mercy, and His promise of eternal life.
The scarlet cord, as we have seen, is a vivid image that captures our attention and invites us to ponder its deeper meanings ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO