DARKNESS WILL NEVER OVERCOME LIGHT! (Remembering 9/11 and Charlie Kirk)

REVELATION 12:11: “And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Darkness and Light are incompatible. All it takes is a little bit of light to dispel darkness. Darkness fights for the lie and is willing to kill for it.Light proclaims the truth and is willing to die for it. When darkness confronts light, it tries to put out the light. When light confronts darkness, it does so out of love and concern. Light tries to expose the lie so the one bound in darkness can step into the light and experience the truth that sets one free!

Jesus came to be “The Light” to a world lost in darkness!

“The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:4-5 NLT

“Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.” John 8:12 NLT

While we are not The Light, we are called to be His lights in this world. Those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord are called to share their faith and proclaim the light and truth of Jesus Christ to the world. John the Baptist was not The Light, but he did bear witness to the One who was coming as the Light of the World!

“God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” John 1:6-9 NL

Today is 9/11, a day of infamy in the United States of America. It is a day when we remember the over 3000 who died in a senseless act of darkness in 2001. We honor all the First Responders and heroes who that day gave their lives, and put their lives into jeopardy as they endeavored to bring the light of God’s love, protection, and mercy into the lives of those who were assaulted by darkness on that awful day.

The policeman, fireman, paramedics, rescue workers, and countless volunteers were lights on that dark day – 9/11/2001!

Yesterday, on 9/10/2025, another attack of darkness hit our nation. As over 3000 college students gathered for a Turning Point America Rally in Utah, with Founder and Speaker, Charlie Kirk, an assassin’s bullet screamed through the air and extinguished the life and light of a man of faith, a proclaimer of truth, and a champion of freedom. Charlie Kirk was not The Light. He was a modern-day John the Baptist who came to bear witness to The Light by being a light to all through his faith. And, like Jesus and John the Baptist, though darkness may have seemed to prevail in the moment…

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

Revelation, Chapter 12, speaks of some of the saints who would give their lives in the Great Tribulation. Satan, having been cast out of heaven, and knowing his time was short, began to take out his wrath on those who placed their faith in Jesus Christ, those who were shining as lights in the darkness they faced.

However, Satan and his darkness had no power over these tribulation saints. John writes of their victory over the enemy. He records three things that stood out about their lives. When I heard the news of Charlie Kirk, when I remembered the events of 9/11, the words of Revelation 12:11 rushed to my heart. In these words, we find the pathway of victory over darkness, and we see the reality of the victory of Charlie Kirk’s life. It is an inspiration for all who name the name of Jesus!

“And, they defeated him (Satan, darkness) by the blood of the Lamb…”

In an interview, just a few days before his death, a young podcaster asked Charlie Kirk what he would like to be remembered for most in his life. Charlie’s answer was very simple. He said, “For my faith.” First and foremost, Charlie Kirk was a disciple of Jesus Christ. He was redeemed from sin, death, and hell by his faith in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ – the blood of the Lamb! His faith in Christ is what inspired him, guided him, and centered him. It was the most important thing in his life and was evident in his willingness to share it with anyone and everyone he could.

“…and by their testimony…”

Charlie Kirk’s life was a testimony. He lived what he believed. He invited those who disagreed with him at his rallies to come to the front of the line and discuss their beliefs. He shared his beliefs thoughtfully and with compassion. He stood upon the truth of the Bible and shared how the truth of God’s Word influenced every thought, position, and action he took. He did not hide his faith but took it to the masses. Charlie Kirk was not an evangelist, but he was evangelical in sharing the foundation for his thoughts regarding Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. Charlie Kirk was a living testimony, one that was open and read by all, both those who agreed with him and those who did not.

“And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die.”

Light is not afraid to walk into the darkness. Charlie Kirk, under constant death threats, was not afraid to bring his light into an increasingly dangerous environment. This courage, this fearless faith, was evidenced and confirmed in his death. Charlie Kirk, when asked about the possibility of death, proclaimed that all death could do to him was usher him into the presence of Jesus Christ. Not only was Charlie Kirk willing to give up his life for the light, his wife and family were also willing to share in this risk. Yesterday, they all paid the highest price.

Yet, darkness did not win!

It only fanned the flames and sent embers across this land. Embers that will ignite the hearts of both young and old. While the enemy of the light sought to extinguish it for good, God has breathed upon it His breath of life, and a fire of righteousness is coming!

Jesus loved us so much that He gave up His life willingly so that all who would believe may be saved. Our light, the life of Christ within us, is not meant to be put under a bushel; it is not meant to be protected under a glass; it is meant to shine brightly and boldly in a world of darkness. Our faith is in the power of His shed blood, which is proclaimed by the testimony of our lives, and finds its final victory in the proclamation of our victory over death. Charlie Kirk loved God so much that, like Jesus, he was willing to lay down his life for the truth. I pray that I am willing to do this, too!

When the light is not hidden…the darkness cannot prevail!

Heavenly Father, help me to overcome through the “…blood of the Lamb, my testimony, and my willingness to live for Jesus Christ, even unto death!”

In Jesus’ Name!