1 About that time Herod the king laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. 2 He killed James the brother of John with the sword, 3 and when he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This was during the days of Unleavened Bread. 4 And when he had seized him, he put him in prison, delivering him over to four squads of soldiers to guard him, intending after the Passover to bring him out to the people. 5 So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. ~ Acts 12:1-5
The last two days have felt like a nightmare that we just can’t wake up from. The kind where you’re moving in slow motion. Nothing quite makes sense. And you keep trying to wake yourself up but just can’t. No matter what you do, your body stays asleep. That’s how it feels right now. That’s how it felt since around 1:30pm on Wednesday afternoon. Just limbo. The craziest part is, I’ve never even met Charlie Kirk. I’ve never even had the privilege of attending one of his events. Yet I feel such a great heaviness of loss as if he were a close friend or family member.
I’ve seen others express the same feelings, so I know I’m not the only one. As I sit here writing this devotional, all I think is, why? Why was his death so impactful? Why has it burdened so many hearts? Was it the way he was murdered? Was it the gruesome heart-wrenching video? Charlie Kirk wasn’t just your average person, just another face in the crowd. He was a voice of Truth on college campuses, a hero of many young and old, and a courageous defender of the faith.
I think the shock, that something like this could happen in America. Today. A free country, really does add weight to his assassination. Things like this just don’t happen. Yet it did. For the entire world to see. Even more so, he was a faithful Christian. He spoke of Jesus and the goodness of God every opportunity He had. As Christians, watching one of our own fall defending and proclaiming Truth is hard. It’s personal. It’s close to the heart.
I’ve seen comments and videos saying it’s time to become radical. It’s time to fight back. But the only thing we should become radical in is prayer. The only fight we should take up is with a spiritual weapon. When James, the brother of John, was mercilessly killed by the sword under King Herod, he didn’t stop there. He then had Peter arrested. He was preparing to kill Peter as well. They’ve just taken our James. It’s not time to allow the weight of grief, pain, or fear overtake us. It’s time to do what the earlier Church did and pray effectual fervent prayers. We are to bombard heaven with cries of mercy and protection for the saints of God. For all who speak for righteousness. For all who stand up against evil. It’s time to become radical, absolutely, but not in the flesh. Not with guns. Not with hateful words. But with prayers. Prayers for the LORD coming to defend His people. Prayers for the LORD to bring justice. And prayers for the salvation of the wicked because they truly don’t know nor understand what they do.
Dear LORD, as we mourn, grieve, and ponder in disbelief, come to our aid. Strengthen the hearts of the broken hearted. Wipe away the tears of the grievers. Hear us from heaven, oh God, and heal our land. Let justice prevail. Let what has been done in darkness be brought to light. Let what has been done for evil be turned to good. Let this horrific assassination cause a revival in the world, especially the United States of America, like we have never seen before. Comfort our broken and tired spirits. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.