The Scarlet Cord

One day that was exactly like all before

Rahab, the harlot, heard a tap upon her door

Thinking the two were only as other men

With a living to earn, of course she let them in

Becoming aware their mission was to spy the land

Knowing the danger, she dared to present a plan

"I will hide you from your pursuers, one and all

If you will promise me safety during Jericho's fall

They vowed, "You, your family, indeed all within this door

Will still be living when the bloody battle is o'er"

Rahab wisely chose to believe the vow of the men

She feared Israel's God, though she herself lived in sin

When soldiers came later, searching for the spies to catch

They were well hidden on the roof beneath stalks of flax

A false chase Rahab sent the soldiers on, for sure

Then she lowered the spies down the wall, safe and secure

She was warned, "Tie a scarlet cord to your window now

That every Israelite soldier will know to honor our vow."

The scarlet was a symbol of the blood of the lamb upon the door frame

Sparing the Israelites when to the the Egyptians the death angel came

Rahab knew enough of the mighty works of the Israelite Lord

She knew His power made weak His enemy's sword

She had faith to believe and to tremble in fear

So she filled her house with those she held most dear

Parents, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and more

Every relative willing to come was packed behind her door

"You all must join me if you wish to stay alive

The scarlet cord is a promise that we shall all survive

Now, the rest of the story is known very well

How at the trumpets and shouts, the walls of Jericho fell

Sparing only those in the house where the scarlet cord was tied

Everyone else in the city, even animals, that day died

Now, this isn't only a tale told as a part of history

But a  lesson for God's people---that means you and me

We, like Rahab, though sinners we can invite in

Two fellows who are also different than all other men

Jesus Christ will enter, forgiving us of sinful pasts

The Holy Spirit will indwell whosoever asks

Our scarlet cord is the blood shed on Calvary's tree

It was lovingly shed for the salvation of you and of me.

But, just as Rahab was not alone when death passed by

So, too, we cover our loved ones with an intercessor's cry

We plead the blood of Jesus upon all our household

Believing that their salvation will be glorious to behold

So, forget your doubts, throw away your fears

Rise up in praise, let thanksgiving dry your tears

When we embrace Christ, believing God's vow

We wait upon Him, not tell him how

When the final trumpet blows and joyful shouts are raised

When Jesus Christ returns amidst our joyful praise,

If those we intercede for now have chosen Christ

Glory alleluia, we'll see them all in Paradise

Scriptures:
Rahab.....Joshua 2,   6:20-25,  Hebrews 11:30,31
Household.....Acts 16:13
Ask according to His will.....  1 John 5:14,15
Willing all be saved.....2 Peter 3:9
When He sees the blood, He will pass over.....Exodus 12:3