What Now?
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7
Boldness. Confidence. Fearlessness. That's what we need today.
Witnessing the assassination of outspoken Christian Charlie Kirk yesterday would seem to stifle those qualities. After all, Kirk's whole approach was to engage in conversation with those of different opinions. A natural response to this tragedy would be to hunker down and hide in fear.
Timidity, servile disquietude, and dismay have no place in the hearts of those who believe in the One who lives forevermore and has the keys of death and of Hades (Revelation 1:18).
What Christians face today is actually nothing new. Almost as soon as the Gospel began to be proclaimed in Jerusalem the authorities tried to stop it. They arrested Peter and John and threw them into prison, threatening them with further punishment unless they quit talking about Jesus. Rather than quashing the Gospel, it ignited the movement.
The church began to pray and their request was very simple: God, make us bold: "And now, Lord, take note of their threats, and grant that your bond servants may speak Your word with all confidence" (Acts 4:29).
That is exactly how we need to respond in this moment. Pray for boldness. Don't shrink back or shirk the opportunity before us to make Christ known. May God raise up thousands and even millions with the kind of courage Charlie Kirk demonstrated.
"Who is there to harm you if you prove zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence" (1 Peter 3:13-15)