Willing to Die

In Acts 11, we hear of a man named Agabus who predicted the famine that took place while Claudius was emperor. In chapter 21, Agabus is reintroduced to us. This time he predicted Paul’s imprisonment:

While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. And coming to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:10–13 ESV)

Paul could not be stopped. He was ready and willing to do the will of Jesus at any cost. He was willing to die. For to Paul, “To live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21 ESV).

This same devotion was shared by the apostles. After the stoning of Stephen, most of Jesus’ followers left Jerusalem at His instruction. Only the apostles stayed, and all but John were martyred. Their lives bore witness that there is no greater cause than to live for Jesus Christ and His kingdom.

I cannot help but think of Charlie Kirk in this light. College campuses are not exactly Christian friendly and definitely not conservative friendly. Charlie knew he was walking into the lion’s den. He also knew that was exactly where he was meant to be. Sadly, on September 10, 2025, while speaking at Utah Valley University, Charlie was shot in the neck during a campus event. Despite immediate medical care, he passed away later that day at just 31 years old.

Charlie was known for his boldness in truth and his love for people—even those who disagreed with him. He stood firm but engaged with respect, speaking the truth in love. Millions followed his work not simply because he had convictions, but because he carried them with sincerity and faith. While his killer will soon be forgotten, Charlie’s legacy will only increase.

I trust that Charlie is now in the loving presence of our Lord. I pray for comfort and strength for his wife, Erika, and their two children. And I pray for justice—that everyone responsible will be held accountable. Most of all, I pray that Charlie’s life will be remembered as a testimony of faith, courage, and love for God.

This post stands in memory of Charlie Kirk—a good and faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Photo by Gage Skidmore