On September 10th, Christian Conservative advocate Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at a college in Utah. His murder was quickly understood to be an assassination because he was a nationally recognized figure and his murderer was motivated by a deep hatred for his ideological views.
What could have become a lit fuse on a powder keg quickly turned into a contrast along political and ideological lines. No mass riots, or burned cities, or rampant violence ensued as Kirk’s supporters responded in outrage. Instead, those who appreciated Charlie Kirk’s bold assertion of Christian faith and Conservative policies held prayer vigils and peaceful tributes.
It was the Left that could not help itself from heaping scorn on the murdered man and even celebrating his murder. The vitriol was so pronounced that many celebrants lost their jobs for blatant insensitivity and callous inhumanity.
Followers of Christ who hold God’s Word in high regard and discern the times we are living in should not be surprised. Speaking of the End Times, Daniel recorded these prophetic words: “Many will be purged, cleansed, and refined, but the wicked will act wickedly; and none of the wicked will understand, but those who have insight will understand” (Daniel 12:10).
It should not surprise us that “the wicked act wickedly.” What does surprise us is when the script is flipped and behavior is countercultural—like the old “man bites dog” headline. The idea that millions of young people would be deeply wounded and righteously outraged, yet constrain themselves to peaceful assembly and advocacy, that should have the attention of the entire nation. And when a grieving young widow forgives her husband’s assassin on national TV, the world takes notice and will be drawn to the Hope that is within her.
We’ve seen enough violence, mayhem, and murder to know that there is growing concern that our cities are pitching over into godlessness. The results are plain to see and cause for real and rising fear.
A Turning Point
Yet this moment may prove to be a turning point, if not for the nation then at least for many who are waking up to the challenge of living out their own faith in Jesus Christ and letting His Light shine through them in an increasingly dark world. The widespread response of Christian young people that they want to live (and serve the Lord) like Charlie Kirk offers real hope.
Our culture, our nation, and our world seem to be on an unstoppable trajectory. Filled with hate and bent toward violence (the very meaning of the word “hamas” in Scripture), the wicked will continue to act wickedly. Satan is gleefully inspiring murderous rage in those whose hearts are not filled with the Holy Spirit. But God is not dead, and His Holy Spirit is stirring in the hearts of those who are His.
As the moment of Jesus’ return draws nearer by the day, hopes and fears will continue to rise. In the end, the realization of the hopes—and the elimination of the fears—will once again be met in Him.
While we wait, let’s encourage one another to set aside fear and act on the hope that is ours—the Blessed Hope that Jesus is coming soon. Make a point to encourage a young person to serve boldly in such a time as this, for their generation must carry the torch that can illuminate dark hearts until Christ comes.
