April 18

Morning

“Let it be as you say,” she replied, and she sent them away. And when they had gone, she tied the scarlet cord in the window. — Josh 2:21 BSB

Rahab trusted in the promise of the spies, who she saw as representatives of the God of Israel. Her faith was simple and firm, but also very obedient. Tying the scarlet cord in her window may have seemed like a small task, but she wouldn’t risk ignoring it.

My soul, isn’t there a lesson here for you? Have you been diligent in obeying all the Lord’s commands, even when some of them may seem minor? Have you honored His will, especially in the two ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper? Neglecting these may indicate a lack of love and obedience in your heart. From now on, aim to be blameless in everything, even down to the smallest details, if it is a matter of obedience.

Rahab’s act also teaches a deeper lesson. Have I fully trusted in the precious blood of Jesus? Have I tied the scarlet cord in the window of my heart so tightly that my trust cannot be shaken? Can I look at the wasteland of my sins or the hope of my salvation without seeing the blood and understanding its mighty power?

Anyone passing by could see the scarlet cord hanging from Rahab’s window—it was a clear and visible sign. In the same way, my life should make the power of Jesus’ sacrifice obvious to all who look. What do I have to be ashamed of? Let the world and the enemy watch if they want—the blood of Jesus is my confidence and my song.

Even if my faith is weak and I can’t always see the scarlet cord myself, there is One who will see it—Jehovah, the Avenger, will notice it and pass over me. Jericho’s walls crumbled, but Rahab’s house, built on the wall, stood firm. Though my life is woven into the fabric of human nature, when judgment comes, I will be secure. My soul, tie the scarlet cord once again in your window and rest in peace!

Evening

But You have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper, and I will make your offspring like the sand of the sea, too numerous to count.’ — Gen 32:12 BSB

When Jacob was on the far side of the brook Jabbok and Esau was approaching with armed men, Jacob desperately sought God’s protection. As his strongest argument, he reminded God of His own promise: "And You said, I will surely do you good." What power there is in that plea! Jacob was holding God to His word: "You said." God's faithfulness is a strong anchor to hold onto, but His promises are even more powerful. "You said, I will surely do you good." Has He said it, and will He not do it? "Let God be true, and every man a liar." Will He not keep His word? Will every promise He makes not stand firm and be fulfilled?

Solomon used this same powerful plea at the dedication of the temple. He reminded God of the promise He had made to David, and asked God to bless the temple accordingly. When someone gives a promissory note, their honor is on the line—they’ve signed their name, and they must follow through when the time comes, or their credit is damaged. It will never be said that God dishonors His promises. The integrity of the Most High has never been questioned, and it never will be. God is always on time—never early, never late.

Look through God’s Word and compare it with the experiences of His people, and you’ll find perfect alignment from beginning to end. Many an elderly saint has declared, along with Joshua, "Not one thing has failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spoke concerning you; all have come to pass." If you have a promise from God, you don’t need to approach it with uncertainty. You can claim it with confidence. The Lord intends to fulfill His promises—He doesn’t give them just to keep us hopeful for a while and then let us down. When He speaks, it’s because He means to do exactly what He said.