The Testimony of the Scarlet Thread

Joshua 2

Intro: In these verses, we see a beautiful picture of salvation.  The scarlet thread in this story is:

1. A Token - 2:12

            When she asked for a token, these two men no doubt remembered the most significant token they had ever seen - that of the Passover lamb - see also Exodus 12:13

2. A Test - the two men put their faith in it in verse 18, now she had to put her faith in it.

3. A Testament - vs. 14 and also vs. 20 - an oath; agreement

4. A Testimony - she placed it in the window (vs. 21)

            A window is a place where those on the inside can see out, and those on the outside can see in.  Her testimony was seen by Joshua (a picture of Christ - see Exodus 6:25)

Having said that, let's examine what the testimony of the scarlet thread signified in her life.

It was a testimony of...

I. Hearsay that was Spread Abroad - vs. 11 - as soon as we heard these things...

            A. His Person

            B. His People - a people that he had saved; had fought for; had brought out of Egypt

            C. His Power - how he dried up the waters of the Red Sea

II. Heart that was Softened - vs. 11 - and our hearts did melt... contrast Pharaoh's hard heart

            A. Pricked - Acts 2:37

            B. Enlightened - II Cor. 4:6

            C. Opened - Acts 16:14

III. Humility that was Sincere - vs. 11 - neither did there remain any more courage...

            A. Fight was replace with Fear

            B. Courage was replaced with Conviction

            C. Might was replaced with Meekness

IV. Hope that was Sought - vs. 12 - I pray you...that ye will shew me kindness...

            A. Heb. 11: 1

            B. She hoped for mercy

                        1. She was wicked and she knew it; dirty, depraved, destitute

                        2. She did what she could; forsook her own king; country and changes sides (repent)

                        3. She was surrounded by a crooked and perverse generation, but begged for mercy

V. Home that was Saved - vs. 13

            A. The Determination - she wanted them all saved

            B. The Delay - it took them 40 years to get to her!!!

                        1. Forty years between her conviction and her conversion

                        2. Forty years between the declaration of the facts and the deliverance of her family

            NOTE: If the congregation had crossed Jordan when God wanted them to, Rahab would never have been a harlot!!!  Her name throughtout the Bible is a constant reminder of their DELAY to DELIVER!

            C. The Deliverance - she brought them all into the house with the testimony of the scarlet thread

            D. The Dwelling - Josh. 6:25 - and she dwelleth in Israel even unto this day -(eternal security)