Human nature prefers the easy over the difficult. People seek comfort over hardship. Of course, there are occasionally those who go against this tendency. However, easy, fast, and enjoyable methods align well with human desires. Therefore, those who teach how to make difficult things easy, quick, and fun gain popularity and become star instructors.
However, our faith teaches the right way, not the easy way. The Bible does not say that we can live a life of faith in an easy, quick, and enjoyable manner. Rather, it tells us that we must die to ourselves, discipline ourselves, overcome difficulties and hardships, and pass through the narrow gate with patience and endurance to attain salvation. God’s principle of creation is that a seed does not become a tree immediately. It sprouts, grows leaves, and must endure wind, rain, heat, and cold to become a strong tree. Likewise, there are no shortcuts in life. One must go through all the necessary processes to grow healthily and maturely.
The reason the Israelites failed and were ruined upon entering the land of Canaan is because they did not follow God’s righteous path but chose methods that suited their desires. This was Baal worship. Baal worship should not be seen merely as a religion. It encompassed all the pleasures, economic benefits, and physical gratifications that the world could offer. The Israelites could not break away from Baal worship because it matched their desires so well, despite God’s command to avoid it.
Rahab was a central figure in Baal worship, having lived her life as a prostitute in a temple serving Baal. Realizing the impending judgment and death, she turned to God and was saved. Rahab’s story serves as a lesson for us living in the end times.
The people of Jericho were trembling with fear because of the Israelites. The Israelites, who had destroyed King Sihon of Heshbon and King Og of Bashan across the river, would soon cross the Jordan River and bring down Jericho. The people of Jericho felt this time was drawing nearer.
When war is approaching and death is imminent, one should not live as usual. Even while sleeping, one must be vigilant. If living comfortably, when the trumpet of war sounds, one must prepare for war. “And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12) Jesus may not return immediately. He may not come until we die. However, what is important is that His return is closer than it was at first. Even if He does not return in our lifetime, our death is approaching. Therefore, as time passes, we should grow closer to God, not the world.
Rahab, sensing the approaching war and death, longed for salvation. To Rahab, the two spies were like messengers of salvation sent by God. In Joshua 2, there is a long conversation between Rahab and the spies, including verse 11: “When we heard of it, our hearts melted in fear and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.” (Joshua 2:11) Rahab confessed her faith to the spies, recognizing the Lord as the true God.
Today’s passage in verse 12 is the result of the conversation between Rahab and the spies: “Now then, please swear to me by the Lord that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign.” Rahab asked for a token of assurance that she and her family would be saved. This is essentially asking, “How can we be saved?”
We see similar scenes elsewhere in the Bible. The confession of the jailer who met Paul in Philippi: “He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'” (Acts 16:30-31)
After the Holy Spirit came on Pentecost, those who heard Peter’s sermon responded: “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 2:37-38)
What do these two have in common? It is that the way of salvation is presented to those who hope for God’s salvation and earnestly seek it. God’s salvation is proclaimed to those who seek it in the face of death, the pain of sin and under Satan’s curse and calamity. The name of Jesus is the name of salvation. The name of Jesus is the name that gives life. The name of Jesus is the name that grants freedom.
No matter what situation, problem, pain or curse we are under, calling on the name of Jesus will save us: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.” (Psalm 40:1-2)
Rahab, who longed for salvation, was given a method of salvation. Let’s look at verses 18 and 19: “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. If any of them go outside your house into the street, their blood will be on their own heads; we will not be responsible.” The scarlet cord was the method of salvation. Anyone inside the house with the scarlet cord would be saved when the city of Jericho was destroyed.
This scene reminds us of the Passover when Israel left Egypt. The Israelites applied the blood of a lamb on the doorposts and lintel. When the death angel passed over, sparing the houses marked with blood, so too would Rahab’s household be spared when Jericho was destroyed.
The lamb slain on Passover symbolizes Jesus, and its blood symbolizes the blood Jesus shed on the cross. Similarly, the scarlet cord Rahab hung in the window symbolizes Jesus’ cross and blood. Being inside the house with the scarlet cord means being saved in Jesus.
For salvation, two conditions must be met. First, one must enter the house with the scarlet cord. Second, one must stay inside despite the impending war and death. Although people might be tempted to flee, believing the promise and staying in the house ensures salvation. The easy way is to flee; the right way is to stay in the house.
Who provided this method of salvation? It was God. His method has never changed from the beginning to now: the animal skin garments made with the blood of animals for Adam and Eve, the Passover lamb, and Jesus’ cross and blood are all the same. “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) God has never given another name or method of salvation besides Jesus. Claims of salvation through other names or methods are false.
Only God, who grants salvation, can present the method of salvation. Those who seek salvation must follow God’s method. Rahab asked for God’s method and followed it to obtain salvation.
Was the scarlet cord Rahab hung in the window the same cord she used to let the spies down? No, they were different. The cord used to let the spies down was a strong, multi-stranded rope called “Hevel” in Hebrew. The scarlet cord hung in the window was called “Hoot,” a ribbon or cloth. The significant cord between Rahab and the spies was the one she used to let them down, but the cord that signified salvation was the scarlet cord.
In ministry, I often notice differences between long-time believers (or those born into the faith) and new believers. New believers follow instructions and experience God’s work and answers to prayer quickly. Long-time believers often do things their way, missing out on experiencing God.
God has given His children methods to experience Him: the promises in His Word, the authority of Jesus’ name, and the privilege of being His children. Without prayer, one cannot receive God’s blessings that come through prayer. Without living according to the Word, one cannot receive the blessings promised in the Word. Without serving and sharing, one cannot experience God through service and ministry.
Thinking that one doesn’t need to pray, live according to the Word, or serve because of one’s status, busyness, or contributions is wrong. Faith is personal; it’s about believing, confessing, and experiencing God. There’s no exemption or substitution.
Rahab experienced salvation by following God’s method. Verse 21 states: “Agreed, she replied. Let it be as you say.” So she sent them away, and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.” Rahab hung the scarlet cord immediately after the spies left, beginning her salvation, which was completed when Jericho fell. Rahab waited for her salvation, unafraid, because of the scarlet cord. The news of war and judgment was salvation news for her.
When we confess Jesus as Lord and Savior, our salvation begins. It will be completed when Jesus returns. Living between these two points is our life.
This time, the scarlet cord Rahab hung was called “Tikvah,” meaning hope or expectation. Rahab hung the scarlet cord with the hope of salvation.
Faith is hope. It looks to Jesus, who resolves all our problems and brings salvation. This hope does not disappoint us: “And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5)
God made us believe to give us hope. Yet, many live their faith out of duty. Worship, prayer, and reading the Word are seen as duties. They have turned God’s easy yoke into a heavy burden, finding no joy in their faith and seeking joy in the world. Viewing serving God as a burden leads to failure and exile from God’s promised blessings.
Make God your hope, and live your faith with hope, not duty. Live by God’s Word, not by easy or quick methods. Seek God if unsure. Approach God if troubled. Experience God His way. Experience the hope and strength that comes from God.
The article has been translated from the original text by Pastor Kim Guibo, published on Christianity Daily, titled “Not the Easy Way, but the Right Way.” The original article can be found here.