The Scarlet Signal: Rahab, Redemption, and New Identity

To the approaching Israelite army, this was a GPS marker. It was and to god, it was a scarlet signal. She was hanging her entire future on a promise. Before the even the stones start to rattle before the guards the the the Israelites came in. She signaled her alignment with a new kingdom while the old one was still standing. This is the beauty of this story because I see myself in this even in the here and now. And I ask myself the question, I may be part of this kingdom, but what signals am I giving out that tell the world that I am of a different kingdom? [00:48:50] (43 seconds)  #SignalOfAllegiance

Just so you know, Rahab, that Rahab, she wasn't saved because she was pure. We know she wasn't. She was saved because she aligned herself with the signal. The red thread is still hanging. Thousands of years later today. It hangs because we know the shape of the cross. And the door is still open. And because of the man in the scarlet robe, no matter how outside you feel, you are invited to be an insider. In the kingdom that will never fall. Praise God for the Scarlet City. [01:05:30] (72 seconds)  #ScarletInvitation

Let's just be clear. Matthew wants to say something. But there is for some but there is some reason why Matthew is not saying the thing. But he's also saying the thing at the same time. Matthew wants to make it very clear just so you don't think that we're talking about another Rahab. We're talking about that Rahab. I'm not going to call her by her profession. I'm just going to say that's Rahab. So, we're all clear on who we're talking about. He drops the label of prostitute but emphasizes that Rahab, you know, that Rahab? [00:41:35] (48 seconds)  #NamedNotShamed

Jericho was this huge city that had this mighty fortress. It was known as impenetrable. It was known as indestructible. It was it was powerful and it was strong. These walls were so high and it was it was kind of like to the children of Israel who were trying to get through to the promised land. It was this big no entry sign where they simply could not pass. It sat at the edge of the promised land and for the Israelites, this was like, this was like the final boss after the Red Sea, okay? [00:42:45] (34 seconds)  #FacingTheFinalWall

And as they stumbled, that Rahab decides to give them safety and rest, and hides them and it is literally Vero Gestapo like in terms of the story because the secret service come knocking on the door because they hear that the two spies have entered Jericho and that's Rahab literally lies in order to protect the two Israelite spies that she is hiding. Not only does she lie, she even deflects and tells the secret service, they've just left. If you run after them in that direction, out outside of the city, you'll be able to catch them. [00:45:57] (39 seconds)  #HiddenHeroine

And then the spies give her a single startling instruction, and they tell her, we want you to take this red cord, and it's no surprise that there's a red cord in that Rahab's house by the way. We want you to take this red cord and we want you after we leave and we get out of here safely. We want you to tie this red cord outside of your window so that everyone sees and they explain to her that when the Israelites do come and they see the red cord for themselves, that the Israelites will protect their home and their family. [00:47:04] (41 seconds)  #ScarletCordSignal

We just want to pray for them. We think of some of the individuals who have attended our church in the past. And visited our spaces. We they they continue to be welcome here but wherever they are right now, look after them, hold them close, and and provide for their needs, Lord. Lord, and I leave a huge prayer into your hands right now. A prayer that I think all of us resonate with. We pray for peace. Lord, there is so much pain and chaos right now in this world. I don't, I'm not in involved in the house but I I I present this prayer request. [00:24:53] (46 seconds)  #PrayForPeace

I want to thank you Lord that you continue to offer us the privilege. We are here standing. The microphone is working. The live stream is going out, we have power. Everything is working and we are very grateful. There are many people who don't have that kind of privilege right now here in Washington with all the weather things that are going on. But also, we want to also turn our minds to those who are houseless. Those although it looks beautiful outside to see the snow, it can be very difficult to navigate this space right now if you don't have shelter, if you don't have food, if you don't have the basics. [00:24:17] (36 seconds)  #PrivilegeAndCompassion