I just wanted to thank Jim Bramlett for posting that video on the beheading.  Usually I have a pretty strong constitution and can stand watching things other people can't due to my medical background.  I, personally, couldn't watch more than 30 seconds of when it first began, but it is cemented into my mind's eye now.  At first, I wished I hadn't watched what I did.  But what I saw is indelible in my mind.  How could he have been so calm in facing something that would apparently (to most) be so painful and awful?

And today, I read the post by Shelva Sirry, and she blessed me more than I could begin to thank her for.  This will become a reality not too long in the future for many people who will not convert to Islam.  We don't like to think about it, so we don't talk about it.  That has to change.  And because of what Shelva said, we can look at it with truth in our hearts.  God will ! protect us through all things.  We need not fear....anything.

I agree that God did something to this man prior to his execution.  The proof lies in watching it.  He had no fear.  He looked totally peaceful and allowed what happened with no struggle at all.  His face was devoid of expression, although he was definitely alive.  But, I noticed something quite strange.  The executioner cut through the carotid artery and the jugular vein, apparently with one swipe of his knife.  But there was relatively little blood.  Normally, if any artery is cut, there is a "spurt" of blood immediately.  The carotid is very large, and when the blood pressure is elevated, such as in a time of extreme fear, there is massive blood spurting everywhere.  The jugular vein is a huge vein, and when cut, it released massive amounts of blood as well.

There was so little blood expelled, that the whole site being cut could plainly be se! en...everything was in plain sight.  I really believe that this man was taken by the Lord prior to this execution.  And knowing this, I take great comfort in our Lord's protection even during the time of our death.

I also remember reading about the Martyrs of the past.  One man, as he was burning at the stake, was smiling and praising the Lord....singing Hymns!  As he was doing this, and being consumed by the flames, he was rubbing his hands together as though he was rubbing cold water on them.

"Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." (Romans 10:17)  We all need as much faith as we can garner for the times that are coming....soon!

Thank you again to Jim and Shelva....and to John Tng for posting this valuable lesson for all of us.

YsiC,

Arlene