Carried By the Wind

Almost every child I know has had the joyous experience of blowing on a white dandelion to watch its fairy-like seeds release and float about.  When more children join the fun, the air becomes thick with summer’s version of snow that doesn’t melt, as the fairy wings get picked up by the wind and often carried out of sight. This delightful childhood activity gives no thought to the practical matter of spreading dandelion seeds where adults might not want them to grow.

Jesus had a slightly different take on seed. “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24) Jesus was speaking prophetically of His own death and what would happen to benefit the world as a result.  No one understood it at the time, but today, the result of His seed is multiple millions who have received Him with His gifts of abundant life and eternity with Him.

In giving His life for the sin of the world’s inhabitants, Jesus set the example for the martyrdom of His Apostles.  It was not their ideal worldly departure, but a way to glorify Jesus if required.  Thus ensued a long history of generations of individuals so committed to the Truth of the Gospel that they did not shrink in fear when opposed and threatened.  Charlie Kirk is the most recent American example.  Certainly, he was not ready to leave his wife and children, but being well versed in scripture, he knew, “Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25)  Charlie followed Jesus with the ultimate sacrifice and set the bar very high for the rest of us.  Although not all believers are called to be martyrs, we are called to be sold out for the truth and cause of Christ.

So, what does our part look like?  Charlie’s tragic assassination has evoked much emotional response, but unlike those who would riot and repay in kind, we are admonished in Romans 12:17 & 21, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. ²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Taking into consideration that we are uniquely created by God for different works of service to further His Kingdom, operating in those giftings and callings gives us the best opportunity to overcome evil with good.

My husband and I believe this starts with becoming the best version of ourselves possible.  That means continually intentionally moving closer to Jesus, and determining what might be standing in the way.  Most notable with the latter would be unforgiveness, wounds from the past, and confusion regarding our identity. It is very reassuring that the Word of God combined with instruction from the Holy Spirit is the great revealer of this kind of deep truth.  The Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation is the Holy Spirit, and Ephesians 1:17 tells us His job is to enable us to know God better.  If we are in Him as scripture states, then the only way we can truly know ourselves is by knowing Him.  Knowing Him comes through His Word, as He is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

The Word of God is our true north so that “we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.” (Ephesians 4:14) Charlie Kirk never compromised on the truth of God’s Word.  He loved the youth of this nation too much to withhold its life-giving message that he shared with boldness and conviction.

Now it’s our turn.  The wind of the Holy Spirit is carrying the seed of Charlie’s ministry to drop into receptive hearts to grow and multiply.  The gauntlet is ours to carry to those dying for Truth.  “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’

And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8)