Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Protector (12/05/24)
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TITLE: Scarlet Cord | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
12/11/24 -
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The Jordan River rolled on by in flood stage, like a giant barrier protecting her people from the warriors beyond. It curled like a silver ribbon through the land, tumbling down from the northern hills and snaking its way to the sea of death. The people on the other side huddled like ants with nowhere to cross.
The tales of terror erupting out of Egypt kept the tongues of her customers wagging. “Secure yourself,” the nobles warned. “Lock your doors,” the merchants warned. “Hide while you can,” the soldiers advised.” Where was her protection? The river, the walls, the gods of Canaan?
The enemy was coming. A ferocious people with a ferocious god who hovered over them in a cloud of fire, sucking up the sea, swallowing up the enemy who dared to stand in his way. Ripping off the chariot wheels of Egyptians, opening up the earth to consume the rebellious, thundering on his mountain.
An old warrior separated himself from the camp and suddenly a bright and powerful figure loomed over him. The terror causer brought to his knees? Who were these pillars of strength standing before her, unafraid?
The rapping at her door was unexpected. She scanned the ground below. Each of her regulars were occupied with their duties and business. More so, now that the king had called every man to fortify the city. When lives were at stake her services were not high on the priority list.
She inched the door open, expecting the king, her father, a brother, someone here to warn her one more time. Instead, two strangers begged for hospitality. Of course, custom demanded their admittance. What else did they want?
Israelite spies? The watcher would be watching. Her protector. The king would soon know of her danger. Could the one who needed protection now provide protection?
She hid the two, lying on their behalf when the searchers came. What did these two know of the god who thunders and consumes his enemies? “I know that The Great Fear leads you to our gates and our hearts melt within us. You have ripped apart the Amorites like vultures on their prey. You serve the God of the heavens and the lands beyond. Swear to me that you will be my protector when the swarm descends on us.”
“Our lives for your life,” they swore. “A scarlet cord will ensure your protection for only The Almighty can protect what is his.”
By that cord the men descended and by that cord they spotted her. As they gathered in painful preparation, dedicating themselves to the task ahead, the witness of their covenant hung steady. As they marched, and marched, and marched, the oath of promise stretched to full length in waiting. As the trumpets blew and walls crumbled in, the cord quivered in steady faithfulness from the window.
And while the terror-filled shrieks of men, women, and children, shattered any silence that might have been, a family huddled, protected, not by a cord, a wall, a Canaanite god or goddess; not by a river, an army, or the curse of a shaman, but by the Merciful One who would draw out a harlot to secure the line of a king who had a heart like God. And from her womb, would come the ancestor of the true Protector; the One who overcame rivers, fortresses, idols, armies, and the great dragon, to establish his own people in his own place for his own glory.
And this protection will never end. For from another perch, a scarlet cord ran down, securing those who set their hearts on it.
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My pastor speaks of the scarlet thread that runs through the Old and New Testaments regarding Jesus Christ. Until now, it never dawned on me that the scarlet cord in this account was also part of that story.
Powerful stuff! Hope this places well.