Joshua, the 2nd chapter. Love this story reflecting God's grace and mercy extended to the family of a person who chooses to believe and trust in Him.
In reviewing Rahab's story, I'd like to point out a couple of things:
1. Rahab was not of the house of Israel--yet her belief in the God of Israel saved her and her household.
2. There is always a provision to God's salvation. The first step for Rahab was trusting in God.
3. Then the scarlet cord was to hung from the window--alerting the army of Israel that this was a protected house. Rahab asked for a true token as insurance that her house and family would be safe from harm. This scarlet cord was a type of and pointed to the blood of Jesus Christ--shed for our salvation, when applied, giving us freedom from spiritual death--and access to eternal life.
4. In order to be saved the family had to be inside the house. If they were outside--their blood was on their own hands.
Joshua 2:9-13 "And she, (Rahab), said unto the men, 'I know that the LOrd hath given you the land, and that your terror is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red sea for you, when ye came out of Egypt and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites...for the Lord your God, He is God in Heaven above and in earth beneath...and I pray you...that you will save alive my father and my mother, and all my brethren and my sisters. and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.'"
This shows without a doubt her belief in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Because of her absolute faith that He alone was God, she put herself the perfect place to receive salvation--not just for herself, but for her entire household. It didn't matter that she was not of the house of Israel. I love this story--it emphasizes the fact that God is not a "respector of persons". His mercy is extended to those who put their trust in him.
Then, the fact that she had the wisdom to petition on behalf of her family gives evidence of the provision for our loved ones--when we intercede for them. Rahab feared God and it moved her to help the Israelite spies. She then took things further by asking that her family be saved from destruction and death. So, we find what I like to call "God's special provision for families" put into operation for Rahab.
Verses 17-21 "And the mean said unto her...'Behold when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window...and bring thy father, mother, ...and all thy father's household home unto thee...and she bound the scarlet line in the window."
There was then and still is a provision to the promise. First Rahab demonstrated with her actions toward the spies that she believe in God. Then she was obedient to their directions to hang the scarlet cord in the window. She had to do that or her household would not be saved. It was an outward testimony, if you will, to the fact that she was labeling herself as a believer. Then she had to witness to her family of her belief in the God of Israel in order to gather them in where they would be safe.
We are not told if they all agreed and came into Rahab's house, under the protection of the scarlet cord. But we do know that she was given the opportunity to bring her entire family there.
When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, accept His redemption because of His shed blood on the cross of Calvary, we can by our testimony, example, and intercessory prayer--see them saved. Provision was made for Rahab and her household--the provision is ours!
Yes, I love the story of Rahab. It reinforces my theme of God's heart toward families. It also makes it clear that God will extend His salvation to anyone who believes in and obeys His Word. It doesn't matter if they are male or female, rich or poor, bond or free. Their race or their nationality makes no difference. He is a just God, and wants our entire family to be saved and to spend eternity with Him!
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