It is good for us to be reminded of the two things represented by these tools. The tongs remind me of my sin and the need to be purified by someone or something that is pure and clean. God provided the coal held by tongs such as these. The saw reminds me of the price people have paid in order to witness to God's truth. This courage allowed God's Word to makes its way to my ears. I thank God for those who had such courage so I could hear God's Word tell me, my sins are forgiven. These tools are displayed at Zion Lutheran Church above the Prophet Isaiah on the large or main window in the back of the sanctuary in the balcony. The window shows the Prophet who painted the clearest picture of the coming Redeemer in the Old Testament. The reason these tools are above Isaiah is because a saw is the instrument of his reputed martyrdom, and a pair of tongs with which the angel had taken a live coal and touched his lips (Isaiah 6:6- 7).
You will have to look very carefully to see this symbol. It is on a tile on the floor of the chancel. Most likely you've walked over it when you attend communion. It is a stylized depiction of a pelican parents and their young in their nest. The pelican is a symbol of the Atonement. The symbol of the pelican, unlike many early Christian symbols, is almost exclusively Christian. The symbol came about as the bird was observed by ancient naturalists. When viewing the pelican, they noticed it had a red tip on its long bill. When the pelican started to prune its feathers, it appeared to be ripping open its breast so as to feed its young with its own blood. The pelican story was a perfect symbol for the Atonement, where Jesus allowed Himself to be pierced so that we may live. The pelican was a very popular symbol during the Middle Ages. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note. 