A Reflection on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Right or wrong, I decided to wait 24 hours before I posted about yesterday's tragic events. I am profoundly saddened. I have felt despair, anger, disgust, and compassion - all in cycles and waves. This hits deeper than I expected. Something is different about this. I didn't know the man - I saw some, but not a lot. I can say this - If all you know about him is what others may have said, you really don't know what you should know. The memes and soundbites don't do justice. In many cases on the negative side they are taken completely unjust (out of context, misrepresented, etc.). The man would talk to anyone and everyone, respectfully and kindly. He tried to bridge gaps in understanding. He will be deeply missed.

On further reflection I will offer the following:

• Charlie was a brother in Christ. His faith was strong and genuine. He gave impassioned defenses of the faith and sincere invitations to believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord. As a result, though he died, he lives on with Christ forever. For that, I thank God.

• Charlie was a husband. He leaves behind a young wife who never expected to lose her partner so early, so suddenly, and so cruelly. Doing life alone as a mother of young kids is not what she bargained for or deserved. For that, I plead God's mercy.

• Charlie was a father. His two young children have been robbed of having a dad for most of their lives. Even their memories will be tenuous. I can only imagine the pain they feel as they wonder why daddy is not coming home to them. For that I weep and pray for God to be the Father they will otherwise never again have.

Whoever (one or several) did this is evil beyond words. Whatever one thinks of a political, religious, or philosophical opponent, it takes a truly depraved soul to take an innocent man's life. Or to cheer when his life is taken. Or to blame the victim or his colleagues for someone shooting him in cold blood. Such actions are nothing less than despicable and depraved.

Ironically, Charlie had just called out the "assassination culture" we are living in. Not that people are just being uncivil in discourse - yes that is not good. But that some are openly calling for violence against those with whom they disagree. They burn businesses, attack law enforcement agents and stations, accost justices and politicians at their homes, throw Molotov cocktails at them or at their events, and use rhetoric that inspires violence. And yes, they even attempt (or do) kill some of them. Enough with calling those who see things differently "Hitler," "fascists," or "enemies of our democracy" (though we live in a representative republic, not under mob rule). Those of different political persuasions often want the same thing but differ in the means. Can't we have a debate about that and consider facts, not just feelings? Can't we be truly tolerant - agreeing to disagree if necessary or prudent?

Sadly, at other times we see people who really want to call evil good and good evil. To be sure these differences are irreconcilable. Those who support evil and lies must be held accountable and defeated, but by reason and the law, not by violence.

Lord, please help us. Lord, bless the family of Charlie Kirk and all his associates who have been devastated by the loss. Lord help those who are profoundly impacted, saddened, disheartened, angry, and confused. Help us to persevere and not lose hope. Bring justice. Bring true peace. And to those who think that his murder is somehow good, convict them and expose their hardness of heart.

~ Pastor Ben