In the section of Hebrews describing people of great faith, the author (unknown to us) tells of men and women who lived exciting adventures. People who passed through the Red Sea on dry land, the parents of Moses who hid him from Pharaoh, and the prostitute Rahab who welcomed the spies.
Then the writer turned to those whose adventure soured. Others who were tortured…some faced jeers and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. They were put to death by stoning…killed by the sword…
They were sawed in two…
Who sawed who in two?
According to legend, Manasseh, furious with Isaiah for prophesying Jerusalem’s destruction, ordered his arrest. Isaiah fled to the countryside and hid in the hollow trunk of a tree. Once discovered, Manasseh ordered the tree cut down with Isaiah still inside.
The king sawed the prophet in two.
Quite a reward for faithfully proclaiming God’s words to his nation. Isaiah, and all the others who faced persecution and death for their faith, earned this commendation:
The world was not worthy of them.
Today in Ukraine followers of Jesus care for neighbors as shells fall around them. Other saints around the world face difficulty, ridicule, persecution and even death as they pursue the ways of the Lord. I forget the ease of my life and the practice of my faith.
So it helps me to remember that among us walk those of whom the world is not worthy, and from my place of safety I pray for them this day.
Hebrews 11 in reading the Bible cover to cover in 2022
Photo by Michael Fenton
I have enjoyed your blog! Great reminder today. Hard to watch this occupation but we also know Jesus is showing himself in miraculous ways! We keep praying…
Thanks again, Susie Triem
Thanks Susie!