Off with their Heads!

"Off with their heads!" was the expression used by the Queen of Hearts from ‘The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland.’ But beheading is hardly a laughing matter, especially in light of last month’s brutal beheadings of 17 men, women and children by the Taliban. Having lived in Afghanistan, I was not surprised by such primitive violence. “But why beheading?” I thought.

Beheading is not unique to our times. You probably remember from your high school ancient history class about the beheadings of English and French royals in the Middle Ages. Back then, beheading was considered an honorable way to die. But 21st century terrorists are beheading their victims after they die: an expression of contempt. To cut off a head shows vile hatred for a person's beliefs (remember John the Baptist). And, it strikes terror in the heart of one’s enemies.

The spiritual analogy here is rich. The head represents one's mind—thoughts, beliefs, plans and dreams. No wonder Satan goes for the head. If he can capture the mind, he can control a person's emotions and behaviors. This is why Paul tells us to cover our heads with the helmet of salvation and hope (Eph. 6:17: 1 Thess. 5:8). Our enemy hates those who have the mind of Christ, and will stop at nothing to destroy them. I’m sure the battle cry of Satan’s minions must be “Off with their heads!”