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Hello St. John’s Family,
As I write this (Wednesday night), I am struggling to process the news that Charlie Kirk, a prominent political activist and commentator, was assassinated today while speaking outside at a college campus in Utah. The life of a young husband and father with 2 small children is extinguished in the blink of an eye. “Senseless” and “heartbreaking” and the ancient cry of “how long, O Lord” that echoes across the Psalms are about the only words I can muster.
Though the perpetrator and motive are currently unknown, we are quickly hearing clear proclamations from across the political spectrum that politically motivated violence is wrong (which I agree with wholeheartedly). Just like we heard when two Minnesota state lawmakers and their spouses were shot in their homes in June; or when a firebomb attack charred Governor Schapiro’s residence in April; or in the aftermath of multiple attempts to assassinate President Trump during his campaign in the summer of 2024… not to mention after a police officer was killed when a barrage of bullets was fired at the CDC headquarters in Atlanta barely a month ago.
It baffles me. There appears to be broad agreement that politically motivated violence is wrong… and minutes later, the evil of the “opposing side” is blamed. Rhetoric with ever-increasing levels of violence directed toward the “other” is routine for politicians, pundits, and everyday people alike. It doesn’t matter what party one belongs to, violence or the insinuated threat of violence is wrong. It doesn’t matter if destructive and violent rioting is occurring at a Federal Courthouse in Portland, Oregon or in the US Capitol Building – it is wrong. It doesn’t matter if shots are fired at a political event on a college campus or on the grounds of Evergreen High School in Colorado (which also happened Wednesday) – this senseless violence is wrong.
Let me be clear: these are not political statements. These are moral statements. Faith-based statements. Statements that directly reflect the teachings, guidance, and example of Christ Jesus – an example that anyone who wants to call themselves a “Christian” must follow. If we want to follow Jesus, we must seek God’s help and let go of violent thoughts, words, and acts toward those we disagree with. Period.
My original plan for this note was to reflect on recollections from September 11, 2001, as it is the 24th anniversary of that tragic day. One of my memories of that day was how more than 150 members of Congress joined together that evening on the east front steps of the Capitol to sing God Bless America mere hours after being forced to evacuate. Political party didn’t matter; prayers for God’s strength, protection, and help were universal. Thinking of that now, I struggle to believe our leaders could last 10 seconds before someone hurls a pointed insult - likely with violent undertones - at one another. Yet we long for God to bless this…
Perhaps God is allowing the United States to experience the outcome of hardening our hearts – hearts bent on framing those we disagree with as mortal enemies that must be eliminated. Hearts bent on pointing out the specks of violence and hatred in “the other’s” eye, while missing the log in our own. Hearts that are unwilling to even think that an opposing viewpoint may have some merit. Lord, have mercy on us. Soften our hearts and allow us to see your image in all people – especially those we struggle to agree with. Help us to seek and follow your ways and not our agendas, just like Jesus did. May it be so-
Yes, Wednesday has been a long and heartbreaking day. Yet I still firmly believe what I wrote in my note last week: “Across scripture, a clear picture of hope emerges: one that is grounded not in our intentions or will, rather in an unshakeable trust that, despite all indications, odds, or data pointing otherwise, God will act to save.”
This Sunday, we’ll gather to worship and praise the God of all creation. We’ll continue our exploration of hope, seeing how our call to hope requires patient endurance. We’ll hear a powerful story of a local woman who unexpectedly had her life turned upside down in an instant, then allowed her hope in Christ to transform difficulty and struggle into light and hope for others who are struggling. Check out 1 Peter 1:3-9 and Psalm 27:7-14 then join me in worship on Sunday!
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Brad
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