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God's Unconditional Love (Joshua 2:17-18)


Scripture of the Day: Joshua 2:17-18

17 The men said to her, “This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us 18unless, 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.”  (emphasis added)

For a little background, these were the words spoken to Rahab, the prostitute, in the town of Jericho. The words were spoken by Israelite spies, who promised to save Rahab and her family, after Rahab had protected them from the King and promised not to tell anyone their plans. In order to not kill her family, Rahab would hang a scarlet cord in her window. 

During this reading of Scripture, I was struck repeatedly not by actions and words spoken by Rahab, but by the words of the men she protected. It was God that led the men to Rahab’s house in Jericho. God that caused Rahab to hide the men and ask them to protect her and her family. God that caused Rahab to help the spies into, and conquer, the city. The reaction of the spies however was not really one of gratitude. Their oath of safety was given, seemingly begrudgingly and with provisions.

The oath was conditional. The reason this strikes me is because God’s love for us is NOT conditional. It may be the only truly unconditional love some people have in their lives. Even if we do not wear Jesus around us at all times, a scarlet flag for the world to see, God loves us. Even if we do not try to bring our mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers (biological and the world), into the family of Christ, with as much effort as is warranted, God loves us.

Contemplating the unconditional love of God, despite all my independence, faults, and failings, makes me feel incredibly blessed.

Heavenly Father, thank you that your oath to me contains none of the word “unless.” Thank you for sending your son to die on the cross as a mediator so that you can love me, unconditionally. Please help me to see, and use Christ in my life daily. Truly, Christ should be a red flag that I have around me all the time. That flag set me apart as yours. Let others (and myself) always see that flag as a sign that I am loved by You, no matter what. In Your Son's name I pray. Amen.

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