come lord jesus! a perspective on the murder of Charlie kirk

Yesterday afternoon our reality was disrupted by the news that Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at a rally at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.  As of this moment, the shooter has not been located, but millions of people worldwide, no matter their political viewpoint, are shocked and saddened that disdain for an individual’s political commentary could result in such a violent action.  The same day, we also saw another tragic school shooting in Denver, CO that injured several students before the shooter took his own life.

It seems unbelievable that deep disagreements and hatred can lead people to murder, and it just keeps happening.

As Christians, we naturally grieve when anything like this happens.  We also have an eternal perspective, one that points to the idea that we are living in a creation that groans in eager expectation for relief.  The apostle Paul says “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.” (Romans 8:18-19)

Paul explains that all of creation is subjected to frustration because of sin. Not only does creation groan, but we ourselves, people who have the Spirit, also groan inwardly as we await the redemption of our bodies. This scripture ties the brokenness of the world directly to our hope in Christ’s return.  It doesn’t remove our sadness, but can help make sense of events like we saw yesterday.

In fact, the final words of scripture cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).  This is the second to last sentence in the Bible, and represents the prayer of a weary people who know that this world is not as it should be.  It’s broken.  Every headline of violence, every report of evil and hatred, every reminder of human frailty deepens that longing. It's as if the Lord knew that after scripture was penned, the spiritual battle would rage on, perhaps even get stronger.

Christians do not dismiss or minimize tragedy. We lament. We mourn with those who mourn. We acknowledge the darkness of sin that pervades our world. However, even as we grieve, our hearts are pulled toward the hope of Christ’s return.

The gospel doesn’t promise that life in this age will be free from heartbreak or injustice. Instead, it assures us that Jesus is coming again to make all things new. He will wipe away every tear, heal every wound, and finally bring true justice and peace.  As a minister, friend, husband and father, this reality brings me a needed peace and calm.

It also means that when tragedy comes, it doesn’t weaken our faith, but clarifies it. It reminds us that this world is not ultimately our home and that our deepest hope is not in politics, leaders, or human effort. Our hope is in Jesus, the only one who is faithful and true.  Full stop.

Until that day, we live as people of light in a dark world. We mourn, but not as those without hope. We pray, but not as those without confidence. We lift our voices with believers through the ages, longing for the day when brokenness will be no more.  Together, with Christians past and present, we pray:

“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”

Daren

Daren Overstreet is a Senior Leader at

Anchor Point Church in Tampa, Florida.  He has been in ministry for nearly 30 years, and holds a Master’s Degree in Missional Theology

You can contact him at

daren@anchorpointtampa.org