Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his faithful servants. Psalm 116:15 NIV
It’s been three months since Charlie Kirk was murdered. I’m still rattled. What makes matters worse is the response to his assassination. Being petty enough to celebrate someone’s death isn’t new for those on the far-left. They’ve been doing that for a long time. Think of when Justice Scalia passed away. Oh, the celebration.
Sick.
The vile things I’ve seen and heard have been so discouraging. It’s easy to swallow a black pill and fall into a large pit of despair. Of course it’s easy. It’s what the enemy wants us to do. No, not the brainwashed followers of the far-left, I’m talking about the real enemy.
You see, the reason I’m writing this is because there are two reactions to Charlie Kirk’s assassination that I’ve noticed among Christians. One is a strengthening of faith. That seems to be the most prevalent. I think it’s why so many people decorated for Christmas early. It’s why so many showed up to memorials for Charlie Kirk, all over the world. There’s a doubling down in faith and a renewed spark of courage amongst Christians that has been incredible to witness.
On the other hand, there’s a less spoken reaction, one of discouragement to such a level, it questions God’s love. Hushed among shocked hearts, this attack on faith watches the celebration of murder wondering why, if God is so big and loving, the crime was allowed to happen in the first place.
If this describes what you’re feeling, these words are for you.
You see, persecution, the desire to see other humans suffer and even die for their beliefs, is nothing new. We live in a nation with laws against such evils, so it’s often difficult for Americans to comprehend such wickedness. It’s why so many are naïve enough to travel to countries where murder is common place and end up dead. For the most part, we’ve grown up in a nation where most people feel safe enough to project their morals onto others.
This is foolishness.
For this world is not entirely full of righteous people; it’s infiltrated with weeds.
Parable of the Wheat and Weeds
Here is another story Jesus told: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a farmer who planted good seed in his field. But that night as the workers slept, his enemy came and planted weeds among the wheat, then slipped away. When the crop began to grow and produce grain, the weeds also grew.
“The farmer’s workers went to him and said, ‘Sir, the field where you planted that good seed is full of weeds! Where did they come from?’
“’An enemy has done this!’ the farmer exclaimed.
“’Should we pull out the weeds?’ they asked.
“’No,’ he replied, ‘you’ll uproot the wheat if you do. Let both grow together until the harvest. Then I will tell the harvesters to sort out weeds, tie them into bundles, and burn them, and to put the wheat in the barn.’” Matthew 13:24-29 NLT
Weeds. They are why murder exists in the first place. They are rapists, they are thieves, they are envious, they are hateful, they are petty, and they ARE dangerous.
Just being around them is gross and so discouraging. But if they didn’t exist, neither would anyone good.
King David understood the difference between the righteous and wicked:
“The Spirit of the LORD speaks through me; his words are on my tongue. The God of Israel spoke. The Rock of Israel said to me: The one who rules righteously, who rules in the fear of God, is like the light of the morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain.’
“Is it not my family God has chosen? Yes, he has made an everlasting covenant with me. His agreement is arranged and guaranteed in every detail. He will ensure my safety and success. But the godless are like thorns to be thrown away, for they tear the hand that touches them. One must use iron tools to chop them down; they will be totally consumed by fire.” 2 Samuel 23:2-7 NLT
Those were some of King David’s last words. I doubt his safety and success were expected in THIS life.
By the power of your hand, O LORD, destroy those who look to this world for their reward. But satisfy the hunger of your treasured ones. May their children have plenty, leaving an inheritance for their descendants. Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied. Psalm 17:14-15
I believe these words prove King David was not looking for a reward in THIS life. I believe he had his heart set on eternity.
Death isn’t pleasant to think about because it’s proof that we are not really in control. No one knows the time or place, but one thing is for certain, we all die. We all must meet our Maker, face to face.
For a Christian, there should not be anything more satisfying than THAT.
As for the weeds, they dread it. Here is why:
Parables of the Wheat and Weeds Explained
Then, leaving the crowds outside, Jesus went into the house. His disciples said, “Please explain to us the story of the weeds in the field.”
Jesus replied, “The Son of Man is the farmer who plants the good seed. The field is the world, and the good seed represents the people of the Kingdom. The weeds are the people who belong to the evil one. The enemy who planted the weeds among the wheat is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world, and the harvesters are the angels.
“Just as the weeds are sorted out and burned in the fire, so it will be at the end of the world. The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will remove from his Kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. And the angels will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Then the righteous will shine like the sun in their Father’s Kingdom. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand! Matthew 13:36-43 NLT
While we must endure growing in our spiritual journey in a world filled with weeds, there is GREAT comfort in knowing that no matter how awful they are, God will be their ultimate judge.
It is mine to avenge; I will repay. Deuteronomy 32:35 NIV
O LORD, the God of vengeance, O God of vengeance, let your glorious justice shine forth! Arise, O judge of the earth. Give the proud what they deserve. Psalm 94:1-2 NLT
When weeds strike, when the sting of evil punches our lives in the face, no matter how devastating the blow, what a relief it is to know that the God of Vengeance is LORD, and they are not.
No matter how lofty, how prideful, or how wealthy the wicked get in this life as they suck up nutrients from everyone else, (like the weeds they are) God is God, and they are not.
So don’t fear them.
Take refuge in the God of vengeance, for to us, the citizens of his Kingdom, he is a shelter of light and power and all that is good.
We just have to do our best in this life first.
It’s so important to not let ourselves be black-pilled by the evils of this world. Doing so wilts the wheat. When members of God’s Kingdom droop and fall limp in despair, they cannot stand. This is a win for the enemy. Don’t give it to him.
STAND STRONG IN YOUR FAITH!
Remember, humans are fallen creatures. Whether those who deny God’s existence realize it or not, they are susceptible to influences they cannot see.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes; you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:12-13 NLT
How do we stand up against weeds growing amongst the earth?
We honor God, we honor ourselves, and we honor everything put in our charge.
How do we do that?
We fight the temptation to wilt, trust that God has our backs for all eternity, and bring beauty and light everywhere we go.
What’s interesting to me is a word similar to honor is decoration. It makes sense considering that soldiers are decorated with medals to honor their bravery.
We also decorate things we love. Think of Christmas trees, weddings, graduations, celebratory dinners, and homes. We make these things and places beautiful, because we honor them.
Honor God.
Honor your country.
Honor your bodies.
Honor your communities.
It’s okay to decorate your lives with cheerfulness, devotion, and love.
And don’t be afraid of the wicked. After all, they’re only weeds.
Kimberly Humphreys