This is the question that started plaguing me within hours of hearing news. How does this not ignite a new level of aggression? How does this not crank the motor of an escalating revenge cycle? How can we expect respectable and compassionate men and women to have any interest in running for public office? Who will venture beyond the safety of their screens to express an opinion? What will become of the way we attend conferences or even show up for a university lecture? Is there any way to stop what feels like a grim inevitability—this snowball rolling into an avalanche? Perhaps you and I are not on the mountain where this snowball has started, but others are—other shadows below who appear doomed to lose their lives as well.
There is hope. There is an answer.
Two days after Kirk’s death, I was at McDonald’s. A young man came in wearing a sweatshirt. On the back of the sweatshirt there was an outline of Jesus on the cross with a crown of thorns and a bunch of Bible verses. The front of the sweatshirt simply read, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). I told him it felt especially appropriate. Now, several days later, I cannot think of anything more appropriate.
I watched a Charlie Kirk clip where someone asked him, “If you want to be remembered for one thing, what would it be?” His response was, “Boldness for my faith in Jesus.” I hope I would say the same.
If there is one thing I want to be remembered for politically, it’s telling people that politics isn’t the answer, but Jesus is. And those two aren’t even close. In fact, those two answers are so far apart it’s almost shameful to mention them in the same sentence. The answer isn’t better policies. It isn’t truly liberal or truly conservative values winning the day. It isn’t getting more laws passed, or enough of the right kind of people in office.
The answer is that Jesus died for sinners like you and me who have no idea what we’re doing while we go around sinning. Not that we have no moral compass or conscience, but we’re lost—hopelessly lost and shooting in the dark unless Jesus takes the Divine bullet for you. This doesn’t mean that Christians shouldn’t work for political justice, the values of God’s kingdom, and the honor of Christ. Christians should run for office and engage in political debate. But we should never forget the answer will not come from us and what we can accomplish, but what Jesus already did.
Jesus died for antifa and alt-right, for LGBT and Christian nationalists, and everyone in between. He prayed to God while he died for all those people, asking, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Whoever “them” is, do you want them to find forgiveness and peace with God?
How do you humanize another person? What brings people together and builds bridges? It’s when two people realize they have something in common. Christians know that sin and salvation run deeper than anything else. That means you can look at another person who is spewing what you feel is the most vile and absurd political rhetoric and think, I need the same forgiveness, the same blood of Jesus that they do.
Jesus’ words on the cross give us a model for hope after Charlie Kirk. When you talk with another person, whether online or in person, what is your ultimate goal as a Christian? It’s not persuading them of your position on gun control, even if you’re right, and even if you can do it. It’s remembering—the Lord Jesus died to forgive this man of his sins, this woman of her sins. I want them to know that love. I want them to feel that.
26 comments
Melinda
This is one of the most unbiblical responses I have seen. God raised up kings and when they followed His commandments the people were blessed. He brought down Kings and when they served the people were not. Our country was built on God’s truth that is where our constitution and laws come from…the WORD. If we do not have Christians in political seats passing and supporting godly values and laws you will be voting yourself out of the pulpit. Because the Bible is and will be hate speech. Your children will be forced to learn of sexual immorality and Christian doctors forced to murder babies in the womb. If socialism or Islam comes to rule you you will not be able to write such distasteful blogs. Charlie pullout God first. He spoke the true gospel to more young people than any man in our time. He was a true martyr. He has a great speech on the danger of Islam coming to the West. You should actually listen to his work and take some lessons. He so desperately saw the youth in our country being swallowed up by the enemy and went in the lions den to tell them of the good news of Jesus and that godly conservative values is the way to be happy and productive in our society. Politics matter because people matter! Sit at home and write behind a keyboard that politics don’t matter. Charlie put actions to the opposite he wants open dialogue with the other side who hated him and God and our values. He was fighting for free speech to speak the name of Jesus in public square and they killed him for it. Do you have that much bravery?
Kara M.
Justin, such a great, and heart felt reflection regarding our faith and its importance over any political stance. You are such a gifted writer and pastor. May God bless your work in Boise.
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks very much, Kara!
Lyn
This is the best, most balanced Christian writing I’ve read on this – it is not politics in any form that saves but Christ alone. There needs to be a clear-eyed return to that. And forgiveness needs to be preached and offered from those near and dear to him, not just cries for punishment. God is just and His justice will reign in eternity.
Justin N. Poythress
Amen, and thanks Lyn! I really hope this serves as a turning point in us as a nation, or at least as Christians in being genuinely Christlike and loving in our disagreements.
Paul De Witt
Great article Justin in a time of strife and grief.
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Paul!
Melissa Harvey
Thank you for this perspective, it’s putting words to some of my own thoughts. As I read your line about looking at the person spewing vile rhetoric and recognizing our own same need, I couldn’t help but think of Saul, after approving of Stephen’s death, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples and asking the high priest for letters to arrest anyone found belonging to the Way… and then the Lord so dramatically hijacking his plans and making him such a spectacular example of undeserved grace! I think we would do well keep this mindset.
Justin N. Poythress
That’s a great connection, Melissa. Do we really believe God can transform Sauls into Pauls? Are we ready to see ourselves as Sauls?
Jeff Lynch
Thank you Justin. Like the cross that stood in Ground Zero, a much needed reminder that the only lasting answer is Jesus Christ and His gospel. To paraphrase Machen, I’m so thankful for Christ. No hope without Him.
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks, Jeff. I feel grateful to have that hope–it’s the light that shines brighter in the darkness.
Bonnie Graham
Hi, Justin, you are so right on, my friend. I’ve been heartbroken not only by the assassination but by the vitriolic condemnation these young people are spewing to each other and the world. Erika said it rightly: “You do not know what you have done!” Jesus said the same thing, but then asked His Father to forgive them. My initial response was to ask God to remove them, avenge Charlie’s death on everyone who cursed him. But that is not how Jesus responded, and even though I still want that, I want God’s will! He died for Tyler Robinson whether Tyler wants that or not!! So I will continue to pray for Turning Point and Charlie’s family. I grieve with them and for them. We know that what Satan means for evil, God means for good. It will be exciting (??) to see how God perfectly avenges – or restores those who hate Him and His people.
Justin, I REALLY MISS YOU! I hope you love where you are and what you are doing. My love to your sweet family.
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks for sharing all that Bonnie. It’s so unbelievably hard to process what happened and the loss of innocence is brings with it for us as a nation. But the good news of the cross is there is no hurt, no sickness, no demonic force Jesus cannot overturn, heal, and restore. I’m praying this really is a turning point for how we view politics and the emptiness of any solutions, ultimately, outside of Jesus’ sacrifice.
We are enjoying life and ministry in Boise- miss you very much!
Diane Mhoon
A great reminder. Thank you Justin!
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Diane!
Karl Kranich
Amen!
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Karl!
Bethann Frattarelli
Thanks for your perspective. Very helpful. The Lord has put on my heart to ask a neighbor To church ( she is a lovely neighbor but is the opposite-almost in every way from me ). I don’t know if I’m gonna have the guts to do it, but I really feel the Holy Spirit prompting me. Thank you for your insight.
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Bethann- that’s really neat to hear that. There’s little question in my mind that on America today the hardest gap to bridge is political. In so grateful there is no difference the gospel doesn’t transcend in its diagnosis and solution.
Bethann Frattarelli
Thanks for your perspective. Very helpful. The Lord has put on my heart to ask a neighbor across the street who is the direct opposite of me and almost every way, but she’s a very kind woman to church. I don’t know if I’m gonna have the guts to do it, but I really feel the Holy Spirit prompting me. Thank you for your insight.
Karlen Kochar
Exact what we ALL need to be reminded of dear brother!
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks so much Karlen!
Larry Brokaw
Amen Brother!
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Larry!
Jason Strain
Encouraging stuff – thanks for sharing, Justin. Words I need to remind myself of almost hourly. Always appreciate your writing and thinking!
Justin N. Poythress
Thanks Jason, miss you guys a lot! Hope Austin is treating you well!