VIEW FROM THE MANSE 2.0

         

On September 10, Charlie Kirk was assassinated at Utah Valley University. Charlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a political activist, and a vocal Christian. Charlie was most well-known for his online engagement and his podcast. According to some reports, His memorial service on Sunday (9/21) was viewed by 100 million people. I personally had very little exposure to Charlie Kirk prior to his death. I have never listened to his podcast and I have only watched a handful of his video clips.

          Argyle Presbyterian Church is not an outpost for any political party, be it Republican, Democrat or any other. I am not a political pundit. There are certainly people who can talk more knowledgeably and capably about politics than I can. My work as your pastor is in Word, sacrament, and prayer. So, what does the Word have to say to God’s people in the wake of such a public and impactful death?

          First, Jesus calls us to love one another (John 13:34). There are men and women who love Jesus and are in our community who saw Charlie Kirk first and foremost through the lens of his political commitments. But Charlie’s testimony was that he had placed his faith and trust in Jesus Christ and so, before he was a Republican, he was a brother in Christ. So, no matter your disagreements, it is good and right for fellow Christians to mourn his death. And to pray for his wife, children, and parents.

          Second, Jesus calls us to forgive one another. In his parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus tells us that if we do not forgive others, our heavenly Father will not forgive us (Matthew 18:35; see also Matthew 6:12). For Erika Kirk to forgive the man who killed her husband is to obey Jesus.

          Third, a Christian leaves justice to the state. The Westminster Confession of Faith, pointing to Romans 13:1-4, says, “God, the supreme Lord and King of the whole world, has ordained civil authorities to be over people under Him for His own glory and the public good. For this purpose, He has armed civil authorities with the power of the sword to defend and encourage those who are good and to punish wrongdoers.” (WCF 23.1) To take justice into our own hands is to take vengeance. Vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19). Erika Kirk can forgive Tyler Robinson. We can pray for the Robinson family. And we can pray for our elected officials as they seek to enact justice.

          Fourth, Jesus calls us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:44). Who do you feel justified in hating? Is it the people on the left? Is it the people on the right? Is it the people celebrating Charlie Kirk? Is it the people celebrating Charlie Kirk’s murder? If you are going to follow Jesus, He will call you to love the people that you feel justified in hating. Jesus came to save sinners because he loves them (John 3:16; Romans 5:8). Including the people you see across the aisle; including the person you see in the mirror.

          Finally, what does this mean for you and me? What does this mean for the future of our country? On the one hand, it is good and right to pray for revival. In the Westminster Shorter Catechism, we are told that when we pray, thy kingdom come, we are praying, “that Satan’s kingdom may be destroyed; and that the kingdom of grace may be advanced, ourselves and others brought into it, and kept in it; and that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.”(WSC 102). On the other hand, we do not know the future. We do not know how this will change the political or religious landscape. I am reminded of John 21 and this interaction between the risen Christ and Peter.

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them, the one who also had leaned back against him during the supper and had said, “Lord, who is it that is going to betray you?” When Peter saw him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” Jesus said to him, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, “If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?”

          What will our future look like? What will we have to suffer? I don’t know. That is in the hands of God. But may we commit together to following Jesus.

Bryan Fitzgerald, Pastor (bryan@argylepresbyterian.org)