“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
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Jesus was accused by his enemies of being a drunk, a deceiver, and demon possessed. Elijah was called a troubler of Israel and John the Baptist accused of having a demon. The Roman Governor Festus interrupted and shouted at the Apostle Paul, "You are out of your mind!"
Over the past few weeks we've seen extraordinary evidence of Charlie Kirk's faith and bold proclamations of the gospel. Despite what those who slander Kirk would have you believe, the scriptural foundation of his message was clear and his outspoken, unashamed proclamations for Christ have now been broadcast throughout the world.
"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good"(Genesis 50:20).
Charlie Kirk's memorial, viewed by millions, was an impactful worship service with the gospel message presented clearly. Even many of his critics acknowledged the extraordinary faith of Kirk's wife, who publicly offered forgiveness to her husband's assassin. Despite what was intended, churches all over America are reporting increased attendance as many have recognized the need for Christ.
As we reflect on the seriousness of the event and lament over the increasing rise of evil in our culture, there are several other passages that have come to mind.
We were told to expect persecution
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first"(John 15:18).
He Himself was slandered, hated, and eventually executed. Peter reminded us: "To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps" (1 Peter 2:21).
"Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived"(2 Timothy 3:12-13).
The Bible predicts evil will intensify as we near Christ's return and God's judgment of the world. The devil knows his time is short, and he is intensifying violence and the persecution of those who stand for the gospel. We should expect more brutality in the future.
Division is inevitable
"And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another"(Matthew 24:10).
Most of the world is now divided into two opposing camps. That was clear in the responses to Charlie Kirk's death: some were deeply grieved, while others mocked and gloated. Obscene gestures, shouting matches, and nasty social media posts reveal how malice has hardened hearts. Families are deeply divided over cultural issues and even holidays can feel like battlegrounds.
We have not seen this level of division in generations.
"Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law"(Luke 12:51-53).
Christ's warning was not intended to discourage His followers from proclaiming gospel truth at risk of offending. It was a reminder that following Him demands supreme allegiance. The gospel truth exposes sin and splits responses — some repent, others resist. Christ told us to prepare for real opposition.
Choose sides
"Jesus answered, 'You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me'"(John 18:37).
Some insist there is truth on both sides. But Jesus was clear: there is truth and there is falsehood. There is right and wrong. Issues such as protecting the unborn, honoring biblical marriage, biblical identity, resisting gender mutilation, healing racial division, upholding parental rights — these are not partisan talking points. They are biblical matters of sin and repentance, preached for centuries before America ever existed.
"For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie"(2 Thessalonians 2:11).
Truth sounds like hate to those who hate the truth. But for those who listen, it is life.
"Whoever is not with me is against me"(Matthew 12:30).
Joshua declared, "Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15). Neutrality is not an option. We must choose truth.
Follow courageous shepherds
"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world"(1 John 4:1-3).
"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep"(John 10:11).
Good shepherds don't abandon their flock when wolves attack. They feed, protect, and proclaim the truth even when it costs them. But hirelings run away to preserve themselves.
The dividing line is simple: shepherds wield the Word; hirelings withhold it. Scripture is not a soft word — it is a sword. Jesus Himself resisted Satan in the wilderness by quoting Scripture, the sword of the Spirit (Matthew 4:1-11). Yet some pastors shrink back, not merely from controversy, but from using God's Word itself for fear of offending. That is not just weakness—it is surrender. If a shepherd refuses to take up the very weapon Christ used, he leaves the flock defenseless.
If you are part of a flock where the pastor avoids taking a stand—where he is more concerned with pleasing people than proclaiming truth—you are vulnerable. A church where Scripture is only sprinkled into feel-good talks, without real exposition or edification, is not being protected or equipped. Find shepherds who will risk criticism, rejection, and even danger to protect the flock and boldly teach the Word of God.
In times like these, we need courageous shepherds—and courageous believers—who will not shrink back, but stand firm in the truth with hope in Christ. "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil in this dark world" (Ephesians 6:12).
While the gruesome assassination of Charlie Kirk grieves us deeply, we do not take revenge. Our most powerful weapons are not anger or retaliation, but prayer and the Word of God—the sword of the Spirit.
"Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord"(Romans 12:19).
Jesus himself modeled this for us: "When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly" (1 Peter 2:23). That is our example. When evil strikes, the natural response is revenge, but the Christlike response is trust in God's justice and love for our enemies.
Jesus said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).
As Pastor Josh Howerton put it, "Our revenge is revival."
Our glorious hope
The good news is, Christ is still Lord. "The world is getting gloriously dark" because the dawn of His return draws near. That is our blessed hope.
As the world continues its descent into utter darkness, do not lose hope. The late Adrian Rogers famously said, "The only hope for this world is the second coming of Jesus Christ. You say, 'Well, pastor, everything is getting dark.' Yes! It is getting gloriously dark."
Indeed, while we lament sin and the spread of darkness, we know it is pointing to the dawn of Christ's return—the day when "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord." And oh, what a glorious day that will be!
 | Bob Russell became the pastor of Southeast Christian Church at just 22 years old. That small congregation of 120 members became one of the largest churches in America, with 18,000 people attending the four worship services every weekend in 2006 when Bob retired. Now through Bob Russell Ministries, Bob continues to preach at churches; conferences throughout the United States, provide guidance for church leadership, mentor other ministers and author Bible study videos for use in small groups. Learn More » |
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