The Word and the World Collide

I always love when the verses we’re reading align with what’s happening in the world and what I’m feeling in my heart. That’s true—even when I wish the circumstances were not. Today was a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty. This is not a message I want to write, but one I feel I have to write.

I’m writing this on Monday morning, the day after listening to the memorial service for Charlie Kirk. What began as a time of mourning turned into a glorious celebration of what his life was about: praising Jesus Christ and making Him known. A truth confronted thousands of people who had heard of Jesus—but didn’t know Him—and they needed to hear it.
The Beatitudes and the Grief We Carry
Then I opened my Bible to Matthew 5–6. These chapters begin with the Beatitudes—blessings spoken by Jesus in His first recorded sermon:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” — Matthew 5:3–4 (NIV)
On any other day, I might ask why Jesus would begin His sermon with mourning. He was always preparing His followers for His death, but when I write a sermon, I try to start on a happier note. I want people excited to go on the journey. Yet, these two blessings were so prominently on display yesterday, I couldn’t avoid them. When that happens for a preacher, it’s affirming—you know you’re not just speaking your hopes, but God’s Word.
Around the Water Cooler
If I had a job in a traditional office, I could imagine the water cooler conversations today. Someone might say, “Did you hear Erika Kirk say she forgives the guy who shot Charlie?” Someone else would reply that they had tears falling from their chin at that point. Then another might quip, “Trump sure showed his colors—he couldn’t forgive at all. He shouldn’t even call himself a Christian.” But that’s not true.

What we witnessed were the various stages of grief. Stories, movies, even comedies have addressed these stages. They’re real. When my nephew died just weeks after birth, I became angry at God. I had little faith to begin with, but for decades I hated Him. When my mother died and I wasn’t there, I loathed myself. Everyone works through grief differently and on their own timeline.
Mourning with Hope
Erika’s incredible heart was proof that God was comforting her. She knew Charlie better than anyone and knew where he was. The Bible says:
“We do not grieve like those who have no hope.” — 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NIV)
Charlie, who was only thirty-one, passed away much too early. But I believe we all must stay and keep working until God decides we’ve done enough. In his brief life, Charlie accomplished more than most ever will. Not that we earn our way into heaven—that’s only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8–9). I know every morning I wake up with one purpose: to know God and help others know Him too (Philippians 3:10). I will do so until God says I can come home.

Erika knew death wasn’t a punishment for Charlie—it was his reward. And to see his mission have a day with the impact of Sunday is further proof.
Integrity in Grief
Trump’s reaction was equally noble. He’s in a different place in the grief cycle—a place more of us can relate to. Had he and his speechwriters chosen to sound pious and say what Erika said, when for him it wasn’t true, he would’ve been like the Pharisees Jesus warned about—those who made long public prayers for praise (Matthew 6:5).

Instead, he showed the integrity Jesus speaks of:
“Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” — Matthew 5:37 (NIV)
John Piper puts it this way: “Integrity is not perfection—it’s consistency between heart and action.” (1) That’s what I love about this man. I don’t always agree with his methods, but I appreciate his honesty.
Radical Forgiveness
It’s natural to want an “eye for an eye” (Matthew 5:38). But Jesus calls for radical forgiveness:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44 (NIV)
Many think this is a weakness. Jesus says it’s not. C.S. Lewis wrote, “Forgiveness is not weakness—it’s spiritual strength.”(2)

I don’t know what voices were speaking into the young man’s life that made him think murder was the answer. That’s not a natural thought. Whoever was speaking, those voices were from Satan. Normal people argue. Others ignore. Killing is evil. But we live in a society that places a low value on life.
The Danger of Hatred
Our society won’t improve by eliminating one sick individual. If our hearts turn dark with hatred for him, it becomes a cancer. Jesus said:
“Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” — Matthew 5:22 (NIV)
If we judge this person—not just his actions—we are as guilty as he is. Jesus warns:
“With the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” — Matthew 7:2 (NIV)
God’s Sovereignty in Tragedy
We need to appreciate where each of us is in the grief cycle. Pray for each other to work through it. And pray that God will use this horrible situation for His glory. Because:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.” — Genesis 50:20 (NIV)
Tomorrow, we will read Matthew 7-9.
Footnotes

Piper, John. Desiring God: Meditations of a Christian Hedonist. Colorado Springs: Multnomah Books, 2003.

Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. New York: HarperOne, 2001.