Click above to listen to track #10 Scarlet Threads from the new album So Loved as you read. You can enjoy the CD, MP3 Album, Piano Book and Sheet Music on the So Loved Album Page. You can stream the music on Spotify, iTunes-Apple Music, Amazon MP3, Pandora, and more.
Where in your life could you use a ray of hope?
The idea behind Scarlet Threads, inspired by Rahab’s story, was to musically express the tension in our lives between darkness and light. We all are seeking light and hope, yet we don’t always walk in the light, or find a sense of hope. How can Rahab the prostitute offer us a ray of hope? Here are some insights for reflection as you listen to this piece…
The Set Up: Joshua chapters 2 and 6 tell the story of Rahab the prostitute, who showed hospitality to two Israelite spies, and hid them from the king of Jericho. When Jericho fell, she and all her family were the only ones spared because she had helped God’s people. The spies had instructed her to tie a cord of scarlet thread in the window so they could identify her house and rescue her family. Rahab’s name is found in Matthew 1:5 in the Genealogy of Jesus the Messiah (his great, great grandmother by 29 generations). She is also included in the Hebrews 11 “Hall of Faith” (verse 31) among many great characters of the Bible who exemplified faithfulness and obedience to God. Theologians view the scarlet thread as a symbol of Jesus’ blood shed on the cross for our sin.
The Application: The solo piano sections of Scarlet Threads (there are three) represent God’s grace and forgiveness toward Rahab and each of us. The beauty in the piano melody is a symbol of God singing a beautiful song over Rahab, and over our life as well. God saved Rahab and knew she would be an ancestor to the Messiah, and His salvation is available to us by faith in Jesus. The rhythmic, darker sections of the song represent the sin and scandal in Rahab’s life, as well times in our lives when we wander from God’s ways. Even with our brokenness, God has forever redeemed and saved us when we put our faith and trust in Him. He sees in us and sings over us more beauty, light and hope than we can imagine. Can you hear His song just for you? Will you join me in embracing His promise in John 1:5? The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
What part of the music or words above give you a ray of hope today?
SCARLET THREADS | RAHAB
Joshua 2. “tie this cord of scarlet thread in the window.” God redeems our sins like he saved this prostitute, Jesus’ great grandmother 29 generations earlier.