Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

Like so many in our nation, I continue to grieve and struggle with the murder of Charlie Kirk.

Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

"But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus."

(1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)

Like so many in our nation, I continue to grieve and struggle with the murder of Charlie Kirk. I have spoken about this in communication with our church, on social media, and in a brief podcast episode released Friday, and now I will share my thoughts with you here in today's devotional.

Charlie Kirk was married to Erika for four years. They have a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son. The pictures and videos that move me to tears are the ones where Charlie is simply being a dad and spending time with his children. He began Turning Point USA when he was only 18-years old. I have followed his influence with interest and was impressed with the way he conducted himself on college campuses and in interviews. He was an eloquent speaker and courageous defender of social conservatism. Was he perfect? No. I think he would have told you quickly that he was imperfect, and he would also have said that he served and worshiped a perfect Savior, Jesus Christ. Charlie Kirk believed like so many of you and I believe: conservative values like the lordship of Jesus Christ, sanctity of life, free speech, marriage between one man and one woman, and the importance of civil dialogue with those who disagree with us.

I am thankful that the local and state authorities in Utah worked hand in hand with the FBI in apprehending the man they believe is responsible for Charlie's death. The suspect is a young, angry, white male who cowardly took an innocent life. Tragic. Heartbreaking. It is all so very sad, and it is a commentary on our nation. I agree with Willie Rice, pastor of Calvary Church in Clearwater, Florida when he posted on social media this challenge to all young men in our nation:

To the young men. You may be angry, and you have the right to be. I am angry too. But you will need more than anger. We war not against flesh and blood but against demonic principalities and powers. So, here's my advice. Find the cause. Find. The. Cause. Is that not what David said in ancient Israel when the giant Goliath taunted the armies of the living God? "Is there not a cause?" (1 Samuel 17:29, NKJV).

We fight not with guns and swords. Those who use such things on the innocent are weak and wicked. The weak and wicked stab young girls on trains. The weak and wicked spray bullets into a church filled with praying children. The weak and wicked gun down unarmed men from 200 yards away because they don't like what they are saying. We are armed with the truth and with courage. Charlie Kirk told the truth to power, and they didn't like it. We need 10,000 men who will have the courage to speak the truth to demons.

First, you must find the cause in your own life. Jesus is King. Bend the knee, bow your head, and confess Him as Lord. Become a student of his Word. Go to church. Pray. Take communion. These are acts of spiritual war.

Quit looking at porn; it is the devil's tool to emasculate you. Find a girl, take a knee, and start something big. Have children. Protect them, provide for them, and play the man. Quit wasting time on trivialities. Quit playing stupid games. Start a family. Build a life. Be the man.

This is no time to retreat. From the martyr's blood, may God raise up an army who will act with courage and play the man.

Charlie Kirk's death is, on one level, a terrible tragedy. We weep for his young children and wife. Yet, on a greater plain, his death is a triumph. Every Christian knows what happened after the cross. God does His greatest work while the demons are laughing and dancing.

Find the cause. Give your life to something that matters. Tell the truth even when the crowd doesn't want to hear it, especially when they don't want to hear it. Speak it with love, speak it with joy, but speak it with courage. No bullet can silence the truth if we choose courage over fear.

So, young man, if you are angry, I'm glad. Now find the cause.

Rise up, oh men of God; have done with lesser things; give heart and mind and strength to serve the King of Kings.

There is so much more that could be said and will be said about Charlie's death. He was assassinated for his religious and political beliefs and died a martyr. I am grateful for his life and how he inspired so many youth in our nation. I believe his influence will now be greater than ever.

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Podcast of the Week

A Man on Fire for Jesus

Danny welcomes to the show his friend Pastor David Burton who has faithfully served the Lord in ministry for over 50 years! David has served in various capacities, including as the Director of Evangelism for the Southern Baptist Convention for over 25 years, and now serves as the president of his own ministry based in Florida. He shares a lot about what he has learned about sharing the Gospel with people in various conexts, including in his motorcycle ministry!

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