Where were you when Charlie Kirk was assassinated? It’s a question I’m sure many will recollect in the future, like where they were when 9/11 happened. I was at my mum’s helping her to support my sister who recently had surgery. I had never heard of Charlie Kirk — or so I thought. It turns out I have watched him engage with open mic questions on Instagram before I knew who he was. He was not afraid to answer tough questions or shy away from those who disagreed with him.
I do not pretend to know more about him than I do. Nor do I write in great depth or analysis of what has happened. But over the last few days, I have been left with the video of his assassination etched on my mind, the ache of seeing his wife lose her beloved husband, the thought of their precious children having to grow up without their father, and an immense sense of loss of a brother in Christ who boldly proclaimed Jesus.
It has been a grief I hadn’t expected. That none of us expected. Life is full of the unexpected.
During this, my sister, who also has cerebral palsy, had to undergo surgery. This was not her first operation. She has had multiple operations throughout her life. But this was a new operation which naturally brought its own concerns and worries. She had to have blood thinning injections before and after. She had to manage her physical disabilities on top of recovering from major surgery. She faced it all with such courage and determination. Courage that I have seen time and time again in her daily life. A family friend commented on how she often thinks of how my sister faces such trials, and it helps her in her own life to face difficulties.
Courage begets courage.
What has my sister’s operation got to do with Charlie Kirk? Operations help to preserve life. We fight to save life. To prolong it. We value life. It is precious. People are image bearers of God. However, many fight to get rid of life. In one part of a hospital there are abortions. It was suggested by some that I should have been aborted. I am so thankful for my life, and for God holding my mum’s hand every step of the way as a single parent. Others are fighting for assisted suicide to become legal. I am thankful for treatments that have prolonged my life from two cancer diagnoses and for volunteering for a charity where palliative care and good end of life care is championed. There are NICU units keeping the tiniest babies alive, whilst other declare they are just a foetus to be disposed of. NICU staff cared for my sister when she was born prematurely. These are deep issues that cut to the core of what it means to be human. Life matters. So does death.
This assassination of Charlie took away a life in one cruel, decisive act.
The crucifixion of Jesus took away His life so the sins of anyone who would put their hope in Him in repentance and trust would be saved. It was a glorious, pre-planned act of God to redeem His people. What Satan meant for evil, God intended for good. The blood of Jesus is the way to true, everlasting life.
Charlie knew this. He lived his life as a sinful man (he was not perfect). But he lived with courage, purpose, and integrity because of Jesus. Jesus changed Charlie’s life. Charlie would want us to look to Christ, not to him. His death is one of many across the world. His death joins many across the world who are persecuted and killed for following Jesus where it is costly. But we look to him as an example of costly obedience. Obedience to the truth of the gospel is costly. But taking a stand for what is true has sent a tidal wave of courage within Christ followers everywhere.
Courage begets courage.
It is costly to follow Jesus. But the cost is worth more than anything this world can offer. Everything this world offers can never satisfy the longing of the heart. This is only found in God alone.
Charlie was wearing a white t-shirt that said FREEDOM when he was shot. As the pop resounded and struck, his life blood poured out upon it, and the message he stood for was silenced. Or so it seemed. The enemy rejoiced at his death. But more people now know all about Charlie Kirk and what he stood for. His legacy lives on.
I thought of how Charlie who had overcome would be once again clothed in radiant white, embraced by His Saviour whose blood poured out for him. Freed from sin. Freed from death. Freed from a life apart from God. With Jesus forever in His presence. The blood of Jesus washes away our sin and secures our eternal future. Because of Christ’s life and death, we can face our life and death in light of His. By His Spirit in us, we can overcome the evil one.
Erika Kirk, Charlie’s wife, gave a statement and declared:
The evildoers responsible for my husband’s assassination have no idea what they have done. They killed Charlie because he preached a message of patriotism, faith, and of God’s merciful love. They should all know this: If you thought that my husband’s mission was powerful before, you have no idea. You have no idea what you just have unleashed across this entire country, in this world. You have no idea. You have no idea the fire that you have ignited within this wife. The cries of this widow will echo around the world like a battle cry.
I stand with her. Now is the time to proclaim boldly the truth, goodness, and beauty of the gospel message of Jesus. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. He brings hope, light, life, and healing by His own life, death, resurrection, and ascension. I am thankful that my sister knows this as she courageously faces another health trial.
One day He will return. But not to save. He has already come to give life. But the next time He comes, with trumpet sound and at an hour we don’t expect, He will be coming for His bride. His people. But for those who reject Him, what is left? If you reject Him now, why would you accept Him then? He is light. Not darkness. He is life. Not death. He is holy and humble. People hate Him. Scorn Him. Shame Him and His followers. But Jesus said:
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.
Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’a If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. But they will treat you like this because of My name, since they do not know the One who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.
Whoever hates Me hates My Father as well. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’b
When the Advocatec comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning. (John 15:18-27 BSB)
Where is Charlie now? He is with his Saviour. He lived a courageous life entering arenas where he was not welcome, to keep free speech alive, dialoguing with those of differing views to him. In doing so, he was able to reach more people for Jesus.
Jesus said to repent and believe the good news of His death and resurrection for sinners. There is good news for the scared, the hurting, and the angry. This is good news for all people. Jesus Christ has died for your sins so that you don’t have to. He died to bring you to God, without spot or blemish. He died to save you from evil. But if you reject Christ, you reject life in Him because He is the giver of life.
He gives and He takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:20).
Ruth Clemence – Writer and Blogger 