We have all heard the phrase “speaking truth to power.” Historically, we know that carries great risk. John the Baptist was beheaded because he confronted Herod about his immoral lifestyle. Jesus was crucified at the insistence of the Jewish Sanhedrin for speaking truth to them about their legalism and hypocrisy. Charlie Kirk was assassinated for speaking conservative and biblical truth to our culture.
Speaking to his own unbelieving brothers, Jesus declared. “The world cannot hate you, but it hates me because I testify that its works are evil” (Jn. 7:7). He went on to tell his disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you” (Jn. 15:18-19).
We cannot be surprised that there are many who apparently hated Charlie Kirk. Obviously, the man who killed Kirk hated him, but also those who celebrated his death on social media and other venues. I read The Days of His Presence by Francis Frangipane several years ago about the end times. He made a statement that has stuck with me. I’m paraphrasing, but he said something to the effect that, in the end times, everyone on earth will be fully possessed…either by God or by Satan. I think we are seeing that.
What we are witnessing is not just a political struggle, but a spiritual struggle for the soul of this nation and, in fact, the world. If you have seen the irrational rage that seems to possess a number of people who hated Kirk and his message, you might automatically sense the demonic realm at work. If you look beyond the United States, you will see that the number of Christians being killed world-wide now is the highest number in any period in history. We should not be surprised if this continues.
This is not a statement of capitulation in which we simply accept the idea that Satan will win until Jesus comes. Jesus said the gates of hell will not prevail against his church. We still have our assignment to preach the gospel, make disciples, and redeem cultures. And, in fact, we are seeing the pendulum swing in that direction in America. We need to ride that wave as long as God sustains it…which could be for a generation or more. I am saying, however, that as we take back territory that has been given to the enemy in this nation, while the church often sat on the side lines, we should expect fierce, irrational, and sometimes violent opposition from those that are enemies of the cross, of life, of this nation, and of God’s truth.
Charlie Kirk has become an inspiration to many and I am glad for that. However, as we honor him, we need to remember that Jesus is our Savior and our ultimate inspiration. If we make any man a cult hero of Christianity, we have missed the mark and altered the gospel that Charlie passionately preached. On the other hand, martyrs for the faith have fueled the faith of others for centuries and encouraged them to stand and face the fury of the devil in their own lives…so we should honor all those who have suffered for the cross.
Satan wants to silence those who speak God’s truth and he wants to further divide this nation. Our response must be to continue to speak God’s truth in love, love our enemies, pray for them, and overcome evil with good. We are to be salt and light in the world. Love, prayer and doing good, even to our enemies, will be our weapons and our testimony to the reality of Jesus. We are not to withdraw from the public square because to do so prevents us from being the leaven for righteousness that is our assignment. But our words must not only reflect the truth of Jesus, but also his Spirit. God will deal with those who persecute his people.
There has been a meme on Facebook that says a great deal. It pictures the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s death with people in numerous circles standing arm in arm in prayer. Below that picture is a picture of the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, which was burning neighborhoods to the ground and looting stores. We want to be part of the top picture.
As we see the move of God across this nation, our prayers should fuel what heaven is doing. The assassination of Charlie Kirk has added focus and energy to this move of God. This is a window of opportunity to redeem this nation once again. May we, along with many others, be bold and passionate as we stand for Jesus and confess him before men.