I have to admit that I didn't know much about Charlie Kirk and his Turning Point organization. I was aware that he was a willing and effective debater and intentionally walked into the lion's den of collage campuses to have civil (mostly civil) discussions with those who disagreed with his beliefs.
Nevertheless, I was shocked to learn of the shooting and his death from an assassin's bullet. And in the past three days I have been stunned and dismayed at those who have gleefully celebrated his death.
Shall we be surprised at such an outpouring of hatred and evil? Jesus taught in Matthew 24:9; 11-13 - Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by many nations for my name's sake. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because of lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Charlie Kirk has been described as a political activist and a conservative commentor. And much worse. But first and foremost he wanted to be remembered as a man of faith, a disciple of Jesus, saved by grace through faith in the shed blood of his Savior on the cross of Calvary who rose from the dead on the third day.
Apparently he often told his wife that his goal was to "make heaven crowded." I love that phrase. I recently taught a Bible study on the last words of Jesus. The Lord taught "Make disciples" by baptizing and teaching; "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation;" "Be my witnesses."
And what is the result when the church takes seriously the last words of Jesus? Sinful people are saved. The lost are found. Repentance, faith and salvation are worked in the life of a lost soul.
Heaven becomes crowded.
Of course, there is no way that God's kingdom can run out of space. But you catch Charlie's drift, don't you. Each time a person confesses Christ Jesus as the one Way, Truth and Life, Satan mourns. And fumes. But the devil give up or wave a white flag. The evil one works that much harder and by any means necessary to fill hearts with hatred for God's confessing people. And from what I have read the past few days on social media, Satan is having some success.
It seems very true - the love of many has grown ice cold. But we don't despair. It is only a matter of time before Jesus triumphal return and the devil takes his place in his permanent resident, #1 Burn in Hell Avenue.
Until then, let's contend for Biblical morality. Let's love our enemy but not give an inch to them. Let's show and share the Gospel so that more and more have what you and I have been blessed with - forgiveness of sin, power for daily living through the Spirit, and the certain of hope of eternal life.
Let Charlie Kirk's goal be ours as well.
Make heaven crowded.
