Featured Off the top of your head

Please read the following sentences and respond with the first thing that comes to your mind. (There are no right or wrong answers.)

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John...And Herod sent, and beheaded John in the prison. (John 1:6; Matthew 14:10)

 

Anyone willing to share your reaction? There are no right or wrong answers, and there is no hook or trick. Just curious.

 

Alcott, you've succeeded in making me think of the Queen of Hearts (Alice in Wonderland).

 

Jerome, not sure whether you mean that as complimentary, derogatory or simply amusing. But...

I think the "logic" of the two sentences are that they are the book ends of the earthly ministry of John the Baptist.

 

It is easy to view the two statements (or the opening post) as incongruous; divorced from the purpose of God, one may only read of a man who came to an ugly and untimely end. It is not exceptional that those whole perform the design of God come into conflict with the world – or even that whoever kills them think they are performing a service for God. John was sent through a marvelous demonstration of Deity (Luke 1:1-80). John was sent with a distinct proclamation to deliver (Mark 1:1-4), John was executed only after his distinct purpose was accomplished (Acts 13:25).

Plagues and deaths around me fly,
Till he please I cannot die;
Not a single shaft can hit
Till the God of love sees fit.
(Isaac Watts)

 

You're welcome. I see that, yes, strictly interpreting the use of the ellipsis. Mine is an historical ellipsis.