JUST ONE SCARLET CORD

08_06

“Unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers, and all your family into your house.”

Joshua 2:18

Anyone who passed by Rahab’s house would have seen a scarlet cord in the window and must have asked themselves why it was there. There were possibly many answers, but only Rahab and the two spies knew its real significance. What this woman had done was a small representation of the Passover celebration. The same way the Israelites had taken the blood of the lamb and applied it on the doorposts and threshold of their houses before leaving Egypt, Rahab was declaring that her redemption was through the power of the blood by placing the red cord on her window. This is the same way that God protects us through the Blood of Jesus. The spies told Rahab that the army of Israel would not touch anyone inside of the home with the scarlet cord.

Something similar happens in the spiritual realm. Every person that has accepted Jesus in his or her heart and has cleansed themselves with His Blood, experiences what the Psalmist said: “If you make the Most High your dwelling, even the Lord, who is my refuge, then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways” (Psalm 91:9-11).

This cord was also a testimony before the Father that this whole family assembled together was under the covenant of the blood of the lamb, and it is the blood that gives protection to everyone who is under its covering.

The fundamental requirement was that no member of Rahab’s family should be outside of the house. After Jericho’s walls fell and the Israelites entered to possess the land, Joshua gave orders to save Rahab and her family, along with everything they had. After this, they completely destroyed the city. Yet, as promised, Joshua preserved Rahab’s life, together with all of her father’s household and belongings. “And she lives among the Israelites to this day” (Joshua 6:25).

When I was dating Claudia, we had a disagreement over the phone. When I hung up, I felt voices speaking to me in the first person, telling me that I should end that relationship, that it was the moment to put an end to any feelings, that continuing with her was a waste of time, etc. Suddenly, I heard another completely different voice. It was the voice of my gracious Father God telling me, “Son, do you think Jesus is at the right hand of God accusing either her or you?” In that instant I began to visualize what Jesus does daily for us; I saw how He presented Himself before the Father with the blood of His wounded hands saying, “Father, do not look at them directly; look at them through Me. I gave My life for them, and they have believed in Me.” In that moment, I understood that when you have a disagreement with someone, the best antidote is intercession. That day, just thinking about what Jesus does for us at the Father’s right hand, made all the accusing spirits disappear.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
“Returning from lunch break one day with some of my co-workers from the office, I was sitting in the backseat of the car with my daughter, Paula, who was only two years old at the time. As the car turned around the corner, the door on my daughter’s side opened completely, and without my noticing, she had loosened her seatbelt. She flew out of the car that was going more than 40 miles per hour. At that moment, I cried out for the Blood of Jesus. Paula fell against the concrete; I got out of the car, ran toward her, lifted her off the ground, and examined her. She did not have a single scratch on her face or body; even her clothing was intact. It was as if an angel had carried her in the air and placed her softly on the ground. We know there is protection in the Blood of Jesus.” (Richard Vargas)

TODAY’S DECLARATION
“Just a ‘crimson cord’ placed around my life is enough to keep my entire family protected.”

Today’s post is an excerpt from Pastor Cesar Castellanos’ book, Declarations of Power for 365 Days of the Year: Volume Three.

TODAY’S BIBLE READING

    • Old Testament: Ezra 8; Proverbs 6
    • New Testament: Luke 14:25-35; 1 Timothy 4

JUST ONE SCARLET CORD