Dear Church of the Open Bible,
Charlie Kirk was murdered two weeks ago. I assume that’s not news to anyone anymore. Perhaps some of my delay in addressing his murder comes from being in the book of James so recently (“...quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…” James 1:19). Before this, I didn’t know Charlie apart from an occasional video on the internet and, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the internet is not exactly dedicated to the truth. What it is dedicated to is keeping your attention by whatever means possible, even in tragedies like this.
For that reason, and others, I’ve been slow in responding to this cultural moment. But now, I think I’m ready to offer a few thoughts.
Firstly, Charlie’s murder was an act of wickedness (cf. Exod 20:13). This was not senseless violence. I think it’s rare for some to experience the horror of evil so clearly and “closely” to themselves. Many people are coming to grips with the reality of objective evil for the first time.
Secondly, Charlie’s murder brings grief, but with hope. As fallible as we are in knowing the state of a human heart, Charlie’s testimony, and the testimonies of those closest to him, give us confidence that he was trusting Jesus, and therefore, hope that he is with the Lord (1 Thess 4:13). We are also hopeful that what others meant for evil, God meant for good and can bring that good about (Gen 50:20).
Thirdly, Charlie’s murder is a call to action. There are many people calling for particular action in response to Charlie’s murder; vote this way, sign up for this, give to this, etc. It’s not that any of these are inherently wrong, but that they should take second place to the action Jesus calls for. In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus responds to a couple of current tragedies that people were wrestling with. He puts these disasters in perspective by showing the crowds that the real tragedy is a lack of repentance leading to a lack of fruitfulness.
When the reality of wickedness encounters the hope of Jesus, the response is trust in Him. This call to action starts personally, for each of us, before we can call others to this action. What is in your heart these days? What is being produced from it? May the gospel become so much a part of us that it is not just what we share, but how we share it.
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:19-21