The assassination of Charlie Kirk has shaken us to the core.
Years ago, I wrote about the hatred of this world toward those who follow Christ. The world yells that Christians are haters because we don’t condone every lifestyle that they promote and legislate.
In their mind, it’s ok to hate the haters. Haters must not be tolerated. Sin of every sort must be tolerated, but not those who call their choices sin.
The words of Jesus ring very true to us today.
“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
Clearly, if we are following Christ we will be hated by the world. We stand in the good company of Jesus in that regard.
If you are comfortable in this world…if the sins of Romans 1 don’t cause you great alarm and concern…then you are of this world and you will be warmly welcomed by this world.
But those of us who follow Christ will not be tolerated by this world.
We saw that full display of intolerance when Charlie’s blood was so publicly spilled by the blind hatred of Satan himself.
Martyrdom seems so other-worldly.
So not American.
But no longer. The mask is off.
Light and darkness are on full display.
Spiritual warfare has become a reality to American Christians.
I read again the story of Stephen, the first Christian martyr. How much his story resonates with us now!
“And Stephen, full of grace and power, was performing great wonders and signs among the people. But some men from what was called the Synagogue of the Freedmen…rose up and argued with Stephen. BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO COPE WITH THE WISDOM AND THE SPIRIT WITH WHICH HE WAS SPEAKING.” (Acts 6:8-10)
We know what happened. Stephen preached a great sermon.
The reaction? When they heard his words, they were cut to the quick and began gnashing their teeth at him.
They drove Stephen out of the city and then stoned him to death.
But let’s not forget this part of the story.
Those murderers took off their robes and laid them at the feet of a very religious murderer of Christians.
His name was Saul.
And Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death, we are told.
But Saul was later miraculously saved and became the Apostle Paul.
Fear not, Christians!
I believe that we are going to see a great work of God on this earth because of the death of Charlie Kirk.
I believe we will have many Sauls who will become Pauls…ones whom God will raise up to proclaim Him.
God knows what He is doing.
And we know that we can trust Him fully to perfect and perform His plan.
Suit up in the armor of God, believers!
He Said What?! 