Thousands of words flew out of people’s mouths this past week while responding to the news reports of a major assassination. Feedback came from all over the world. I heard cries over the loss over a great orator, cries of his family over the loss of a husband and father, and cries from believers over the loss of a man who always made sure people knew who Jesus was. Tragically, I also heard cries of joy over a man’s death because they disagreed with Charlie Kirk. Regardless of the political dialogue he engaged in, Charlie always made sure people knew Who Christ is. Jesus was his only Savior, not politics.
THE VALUE OF LIFE
What are we when as a society citizens celebrate the assassination of human life? Every human being is created by God, regardless of their political affiliation.
A HEART REVEALED
“You see, by dint of will people can make a good showing for a time, but sooner or later there will come that unguarded moment when the “careless word” will slip out to reveal the true condition of the heart. If we are full of compassion, it will be revealed; if we are full of bitterness, that also will be revealed.” (Richard J. Foster wrote in “Celebration of Discipline”)
JESUS’ RESPONSE
The Bible tells us exactly how Jesus would respond both to the death of His worst political enemy and also to Charlie’s death. Jesus taught, “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven… If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors (pagans) doing that?”(Matt 5:43-46) Anger and contempt are equal to murder (Matt. 5:21-22).
REACTIONS FROM THE CROSS
Jesus did not just teach “love your enemy”, He reacted by living it. The Roman cross was the most brutal form of execution of its day. As His broken body was dying on the cross, Jesus’ heart filled with compassion. Instead of spewing hate at those torturing Him, He prayed for the people directly responsible for his death (Luke 23:34). He was filled with sadness and compassion for His enemies.
THOSE WHO LIVE DAILY UNDER THREAT OF DEATH
The purpose of the assassin’s bullet this past week is not new to this time or place. It was meant to make a point, to silence Charlie. Opposition, persecution and death have been part of God’s people’s existence from the earliest days. Today more than 350,000,000 Christians follow Jesus in parts of the world where daily they live under constant threat of death.
BE PREPARED TO ANSWER
Jesus tells us in I Peter 3:15-16, “In your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” God requires us to have compassion for those who are lost and pray for them. We are even required to pray for the salvation of the assassin of Charlie Kirk, as well as the people celebrating his death. Prayers like this separate religious people from Christ followers. What thousands of words and thoughts are flowing out of your heart? How will you choose to respond?
