Read Joshua 2:1-21
When the Israelite spies departed, Rahab immediately tied a scarlet cord in the window. That scarlet cord was her guarantee that she and everyone with her would be protected when Israel attacked the city of Jericho. She didn’t know when that would be, but she was ready. That scarlet cord, called a tiqvah in Hebrew, represented her putting her faith in their promise.
The word tiqvah came to mean an attitude of anticipation or expectation. Often translated “hope,” it was so much more than wishful thinking, but staking your life on someone or something. It is tying a knot in this rope of promise and hanging on for dear life. Psalms 62:5 tells us that this hope – tiqvah - is from God.
God has a wonderful plan and purpose for your life. The word “plan” in Jeremiah 29:11 is machashebath, which refers to something specifically designed or planned with ingenuity. The word “have” (chasab) actually means “to weave.” His word and His Spirit weave together a multi-ply tiqvah to hang out the window of your life. The purpose of this wonderfully woven plan is for two reasons: shalom – wholeness of mind, body and soul, and an endless tiqvah – a rope of promise that anchors us to the character and promises of God.
We don’t know how long that scarlet cord hung in Rahab’s window. There is quite a lot that takes place between the promise in chapter 2 and the fulfillment in chapter 6, but that cord never left her window. Hanging there it also had to draw her to look out and watch expectantly. When word reached the city that the Israelites had crossed the Jordan and fear within the city grew, that rope reminded her of the promise and filled her with excitement and peace.
Like Rahab, we need to be watching and waiting for the fulfillment of God’s precious promises. According to Micah 7:7, it is a personal choice. “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation.” The word translated “watch expectantly” means “to lean forward and peer into the distance.” We need to hang onto our God-given tiqvah and stretch our neck out looking intently to see the very first indication of God being amazing. We don’t want to miss a single one of His promises being fulfilled in our lives. Promises like His presence (Matthew 28:20), His working in you (Philippians 2:13), the abundance of grace He promises to provide for everything He asks you to do (2 Corinthians 9:8), and the incredible things He promises to do through you (John 14:12).
What are you doing with your tiqvah?
Making It Personal
God’s word is full of wonderful promises. In an intimate relationship with the Lord, He may have also given you some personal promises. Take a moment and make a list of the promises the Holy Spirit brings to mind.
What is the promise given you in Numbers 23:19?
How does reconnecting with His promises help prepare you to face today’s challenges?
What was Abraham’s response to all God promised him according to Romans 4:20?
What is your response? What are you doing with your tiqvah?
originally posted 6/29/11
