Hope

Hope is an interesting word. Translated in Hebrew as Tikvah. Tikvah is also a cord: a string or rope made of several strands twisted and bound together for strength.

Tikvah is used in the biblical story found in the book of Joshua. As Joshua prepares to lead the Israelites into the promise land, he sends out two spies to the house of Rahab. The king of Jericho hears about the two spies and orders Rahab to turn them over. Instead, Rahab hides them on the roof and chooses to defy the king. What pushed her to take such a step faith in spite of her vulnerability? Something bigger than herself brought inner conviction to her spirit. The reputation of the children of Israel had preceded them. "I know that the Lord has given you this land and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you” (Joshua 2:9). In the midst of a hopeless situation Rahab was bold enough to ask the spies to swear an oath that when Jericho is conquered, they will let her and her family live. They agreed on the condition she ties this cord of scarlet thread (tikvah) in the window through which they escaped. This promise was not only for her but her all household (Joshua 2:17-18).

The scarlet cord was Rahab’s only guarantee that her household would be spared by the Israelites. Though the physical cord had been tied to the window to ensure their safety, Rahab still had to wait for the spies’ promise.Hope is rooted in waiting.

So, how do we cling to hope? How do we keep from growing restless? We can cling to the hope in the promises of Elohim. Like hanging onto a strong rope, our hope is tangible and secure. However, we must wait for their fulfillment and not grow weary. “But those who wait, hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.(Isaiah 40:31)

Our “tikvah” is in Christ alone. Hope is a woven cord because of the covenant of blood the Lord has made with us. If you are in covenant relationship with God, there is nothing the Lord won’t do for you. He is bound by his word. Perhaps this is the very reason Rahab’s cord was scarlet. It reminds us that though our sins are as red as scarlet the blood of Jesus washes us as white as snow.

We must think about that tangible woven cord that was plaited just for us. I am reminded that though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

Like Rahab, we don’t deserve to be spared. We aren’t worthy, yet He still loves us. He still forgives us. In 2021 we might face what looks like hopeless situations. As we move towards our promised land, let us keep our eyes on Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we can imagine or think. Our hope is personified in the person of Jesus. Real hope waits on the Master to provide the way, all we have to do is walk as He leads. Julie (WOM UK)