Reflections: On Jonah and Charlie

I’m always amazed when various sources point me toward similar thoughts about how to represent my faith in Jesus Christ in a chaotic culture. The past couple of weeks, my morning Bible studies about God’s constant caring presence, although prepared weeks or months in advance by the teaching team at Proverbs 31 Ministries, have been applicable to the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, including the response from thousands of desperate seekers, along with ceremonies recalling 9/11, which generated similar response in 2001. 

I was also reminded, though, of a previous study about Jonah. What could Jonah to do with me—or with Charlie Kirk? I was intrigued by Jonah 1:10, where astonished sailors, after determining by lot that Jonah was responsible for the terrible storm they were experiencing, asked “Why have you done this?” (NKJV). 

Great question! In pagan religions, one did whatever seemed necessary to appease whatever god they had annoyed. Jonah had told the crew he was fleeing God’s instructions, and they couldn’t imagine doing such a thing! After tossing him into the sea, they watched Jonah’s God immediately calm the storm, and quickly realized this was no capricious pagan deity. Their question was, if one had a relationship with such a powerful God, why run from Him? 

Charlie Kirk, on the other hand, did what Jonah did not: He ran toward opportunity. As stated at his memorial service, Charlie accepted Jesus Christ as a fifth-grader, and over the next few years, sensed that young people were desperately seeking something supernatural and powerful, but seeking it in wrong places. Instead of running from God’s calling, Kirk founded Turning Point USA at age 18, and began engaging in dialogue with young people, primarily on college campuses, and sharing the conversations on social media. 

As previously discussed here, social media is a tricky space. College campuses are even more challenging. Proverbs 14:6 describes the issue: “A scoffer seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy to him who understands” (NKJV).  

Charlie’s “Prove Me Wrong” conversations show that scoffers abound. To be prepared, Charlie took advantage of mentorship and learning opportunities, honing his natural gifts for logic, public speaking and quick wit. At the memorial service, Hillsdale College President Larry Arnn praised Charlie’s eagerness to learn, completing over 30 online courses while developing the Turning Point USA ministry. 

Charlie was willing to hand the microphone to those who disagreed with him, welcoming questions and debate, but when they became obnoxious, he used wit or logic to shut them down. Some social media posts, using clips out of context, criticize this as “hate speech,” but it’s actually in line with the Apostle Paul’s advice to Titus, “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition” (3:10, NKJV). 

Acts chapter 8 tells us Stephen’s sermon didn’t sit well with religious leaders, and he was stoned to death as the first Christian martyr. A seed was planted, though: A young Pharisee watching Stephen’s death had his own encounter with Christ; and the Apostle Paul went on to write much of the New Testament and plant numerous churches, before himself being martyred. 

Charlie’s campus conversations and social media engagement also didn’t sit well with some, leading to an assassin’s bullet. On the other hand, many young people who heard the truth were convinced: Bible sales skyrocketed last year, and churches have experienced record attendance since Charlie’s death. 

The Bible leaves us hanging as to Jonah’s final decision about God’s message. But from the tens of thousands who have pledged to continue Charlie’s legacy defending faith and freedom, that message will continue loud and clear.