In what ways can we show loyalty to God's people like Rahab did? Scripture Focus “and spare my father, my mother, my brothers, and my sisters, and all who belong to them, and save us from death.” (Joshua 2:13) Rahab’s Snapshot of Loyalty • Turned from the security of her city to the certainty of God’s promise. • Risked her own life to hide the spies (Joshua 2:4–6). • Tied the scarlet cord as a public sign of covenant loyalty (Joshua 2:18–21). • Brought her household under that same promise of rescue. Her faith earned a place in the “hall of faith” (Hebrews 11:31) and is praised for active obedience (James 2:25). Practical Pathways to Loyalty Today • Choose God’s side openly – “Whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven.” (Matthew 10:32) – Loyalty begins when we unashamedly identify with Christ and His people, even if culture stands opposed. • Risk comfort to protect believers – “You sympathized with the prisoners and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property.” (Hebrews 10:34) – Whether defending a maligned brother’s reputation or supporting persecuted churches, we value God’s family above personal ease. • Practice vigorous hospitality – “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) – Open homes, meals, and schedules become modern hiding places for weary servants of God, just as Rahab’s roof sheltered the spies. • Advocate with courageous words – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” (Proverbs 31:8) – Barnabas stood up for the newly converted Paul (Acts 9:26–28); we step forward to defend, encourage, and vouch for fellow believers when suspicion circles. • Share resources for kingdom advance – “The one who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing.” (2 Corinthians 9:10) – Rahab leveraged her house; we leverage bank accounts, skills, and networks to further God’s mission and safeguard His people. • Bind our households to the covenant – “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.” (Acts 16:31) – Like Rahab gathering relatives under one roof, we disciple spouses, children, and extended family, inviting them into the shelter of Christ. • Stand firm when culture crumbles – Jericho’s walls looked immovable until they fell (Joshua 6). Present systems may seem dominant, yet faith fixes on the God who topples them. Loyalty means staying aligned with His people even when societal walls shake. Fruit of a Loyal Heart • Deeper fellowship: “If we walk in the light…we have fellowship with one another.” (1 John 1:7) • Shared reward: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” (2 Timothy 2:12) • Gospel testimony: The scarlet cord pointed forward to Christ’s blood; our loyal love becomes a vivid signpost to the Savior for neighbors watching. Rahab’s simple act—hiding spies and tying a scarlet cord—still echoes today. Every time we stake our comfort, reputation, or resources on God’s people, we knot our own scarlet cord of loyalty, trusting the same faithful God to remember and rescue. |
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