The Scarlet Thread

Gen 38:27 And it came to pass in the time of her travail, that, behold, twins were in her womb. 28 And it came to pass, when she travailed, that the one put out his hand: and the midwife took and bound upon his hand a scarlet thread, saying, This came out first. 29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? this breach be upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez. 30 And afterward came out his brother, that had the scarlet thread upon his hand: and his name was called Zarah.

The struggle for the birthright is again seen here as it was in the time of Jacob and Esau. These twins are products of an ungodly union … examples of grace and memorials to forgiveness and mercy. Judah was to be the ruling tribe and the Lion of Judah … Christ emerged as these sons are both named in His genealogy.

The first is marked with a scarlet thread. This points us again to Jesus and His destiny of a cruel crucifixion … His blood to be shed for our sins.

Christ is the first fruits of them that sleep … Rev 1:5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,

After the resurrection of Christ, when he returns at the rapture, the dead in Christ will rise and then others will join Him … but the first begotten of the dead … the first to taste death and to live never to die again was the one who washed our sins with His own blood. This is the significance of the scarlet thread. By the blood, grace and mercy comes to us in a completely new way that even cause angels to marvel. These twins being in the genealogy are expressions of God’s great grace. Marvel at the grace through Christ Jesus and the work that His blood did … washing us from our sins. When the saints are breaking out of death and this earthly body to join Christ … may you not be missing. May I not be missing.

Song.

On the golden streets of heaven all men hope to walk some day,

Yet so many are not willing to accept the living way;

But while others build on good works, or opinions if they may,

Hallelujah! hallelujah!

I’m depending on the blood.

Refrain:

In the soul-cleansing blood of the Saviour,

I’ve been washed in the crimson flood;

Tho’ the world may say there is hope some other way,

I’m depending on the blood.

Some will tell us that God’s mercy is their only hope and plea,

That a soul He could not punish throughout all eternity;

But I read that my dear Saviour died for sinners just like me,

Hallelujah! hallelujah!

I’m depending on the blood..

Words: Johnson Oatman, Jr., 1856-1922

Prayer: O Lord, I plead the blood of Jesus to avail for me … Bring me clean to you. Amen

 

The Songs of Joseph is an integration of encouragement scriptural devotions, prayers and a compendium of songs of mercy, salvation, new beginnings and victory.  We can expect as we trust and obey that our end will indeed be ultimately glorious  because God works His marvellous agenda.   Be blessed as you read and sing along, daily.   Edited by  Bolade Apampa