The murder of Charlie Kirk has shaken our hearts and our nation. As we try to make sense of this evil, we must look first and foremost to God. This is a time when both theology and God’s presence bring sense and comfort in the face of senselessness and evil.

When Jesus’s disciples were reeling at the news that He was going to die, He said, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). In the face of impending death and grief, Jesus called His disciples to faith. And so He does for His disciples today. He calls us to faith, that is, to trust and rely on the unchangeable truths of who He is and what He has promised.

God Is Good

We know this, but we must rehearse it to ourselves. When we are in the throes of senseless loss, Scripture reassures us that God’s nature is unwavering. Jesus said, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone” (Luke 18:19). Surely, God is good, and His goodness is immutable. 

But our world is marred by sin. Romans 3:10 declares, “There is none righteous, not even one.” And the prophet Isaiah warned, “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”

The vileness of those who celebrate Charlie Kirk’s death is unimaginable. While we are shocked, we should not be entirely surprised. The Scriptures predict that evil is ever-present in this age, but that’s not the whole story.

God Is Sovereign

Many people are crying out, “Why?” Yet we remember the story of Joseph, who endured betrayal and suffering at the hands of his own brothers. When reunited, Joseph professed trust in God’s loving and sovereign purposes with these words, “You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20). 

Though we may not yet see God’s purpose, we can trust that good will come of this. I have no doubt that Charlie Kirk’s death will result in many lives being preserved unto eternal salvation through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

God Will Triumph

Evil will not have the final word. Evil cannot and will not prevail. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers with these words: “For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. 

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” (Romans 16:19-20)

We know how this ends, so we never, ever despair. God is good. God is sovereign. God will triumph. In the meantime, we are called to faith; faith in the truth of the One who said, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.”

Finally, Jesus Himself offers us this enduring hope with a prediction, a command, and a promise: “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)