On September 10, 2025, the name Charles (Charlie) James Kirk rose like a signal fire, an American right-wing political activist, entrepreneur, media voice, whose words that day carved deeper ripples across the world than we first imagined. I had only just been introduced to him, yet I saw the steel of courage in his frame, the unshaken conviction that pressed him into stands the world called unpopular, on gender and life in the womb, on the lines that mark nations and the hands that shape economies, on the soul of a society and the sway of its government.

A Faith That Points Higher

And now, in the quiet after his passing, a storm of politics churns, debates rise like waves, ideologies clash like thunder; but, one note rings truer than the noise: Charlie’s Christ. He stood not because it was easy, but because He believed that his faith in Jesus Christ demanded that he stand. In John 12:32, Jesus speaks, His voice bending time, “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” Jesus spoke these words as the crowd pressed in, disciples watching, Greeks listening, hearts questioning. Jesus spoke of the cross, of nails and blood, of the death that would split history in two. This was no promise of every soul without exception, but of every kind, Jew and Greek, rich and poor, near and far, drawn through His sacrifice into the orbit of His love.

Brother Kirk becomes a witness here, not because his politics live on, but because his faith points higher. He reminds us with his echo that Jesus defeated death so that life would not be caged.Brother Kirk becomes a witness here, not because his politics live on, but because his faith points higher. He reminds us with his echo that Jesus defeated death so that life would not be caged. I never met Brother Kirk or conversed with him but his absence forced my search, his absence pushed me past his speeches and deeper into the Scripture.

And here, in John 10, I heard the Shepherd’s call, the voice that cuts through the noise of this world, steady and sure, the voice of the One who lays down His life not by force but by choice, the Guardian of the gate who opens to green pastures and living waters, the Keeper who came not to steal, kill, or destroy, but to pour out a life unshaken, unending, abundant beyond measure. And so, through the shadow of a man’s passing, I stumbled into the radiance of a Savior who never passes away, a Christ who calls His sheep by name and carries them close, a Shepherd who reminds us in every season, in every sorrow, that He never forgot the fold and we should never the fold.

WHAT IS THE FOLD?

In the Bible, the "shepherd's fold" refers to a literal sheepfold, a secure enclosure for sheep at night. It also serves as a significant metaphor for the Christian church and community, representing a place of protection, gathering, and spiritual security under Jesus, the Good Shepherd. Jesus himself is both the Good Shepherd and the Door of the sheepfold, providing salvation and guidance for his followers, whom he calls his sheep.

Comfort, Conviction, and a Call

In the Gospel of John chapter 10 verses 16 through 27, Jesus speaks of Himself as the Good Shepherd who calls, protects, and unites His sheep. His words carry comfort, conviction, and a call to trust.

This passage paints a vivid picture of a Savior who knows His people by name and who offers them everlasting security. Across the centuries this message continues to guide hearts and nations. Even within the American story the symbolism of the thirteen folds of the United States flag can echo this eternal truth. When the flag is folded at ceremonies of honor each crease carries meaning and a message of faith and fidelity. The image of a shepherd who guards and gathers His flock harmonizes with the image of a nation remembering that in God we trust.

One Shepherd and One Fold

In John 10:16 Jesus declares that He has other sheep who are not of this sheep pen. He promises to bring them also so that there shall be one flock and one shepherd. This is a prophecy of inclusion. The Good Shepherd does not limit His love to one nation or people. He reaches beyond boundaries of culture and language to call all who will hear His voice. This calling continues through the ages as the gospel crosses continents and cultures.

The Lord then explains the intimacy of His relationship with the Father and with His followers. Just as the Father knows Him and He knows the Father so He knows His sheep and they know Him. This is more than distant recognition. It is a deep relationship marked by love and listening. The sheep are safe because the shepherd willingly lays down His life for them.

The Cornerstone of Christian Hope

Verses 17 and 18 reveal the voluntary sacrifice of Christ. He lays down His life of His own accord and He has the authority to take it up again. Here we find the cornerstone of Christian hope. The death and resurrection of Jesus are not accidents of history but acts of holy intent. In these verses believers hear the heartbeat of redemption. The shepherd does not abandon His flock to wolves or thieves. He stands between danger and the defenseless.

This truth provides lasting comfort for those who fear the uncertainties of life. The sheep of Christ cannot be stolen from His hand. No trial or tragedy can sever the bond between the shepherd and the sheep. This assurance leads to bold faith and quiet peace.

Do you Know the Meaning Behind the 13 Folds of the United States Flag?

When Jesus speaks in verses 22 to 27 He addresses a crowd during the Festival of Dedication in Jerusalem.

The people press Him to say plainly whether He is the Messiah. His response points back to His works and His words. He tells them that they do not believe because they are not His sheep. His sheep listen to His voice. He knows them and they follow Him. This teaches that faith is not merely intellectual agreement but relational trust. To be a sheep of the Good Shepherd is to hear, to recognize, and to respond. Many may hear the sound of the gospel but only those who belong to Christ truly listen. The shepherd’s call awakens faith and forms obedience.

The Good Shepherd Guards Forever

The security Jesus offers us is unshakable. He promises that His sheep will never perish and no one will snatch them out of His hand. This is the eternal life that begins now and continues beyond the grave. The Father who gave the sheep to the Son is greater than all. The double grip of Father and Son ensures that salvation is sure.

This doctrine does not lead to complacency but to confidence. Believers can serve, suffer, and sacrifice knowing that their shepherd holds them fast. The Good Shepherd does not merely guide for a season. He guards forever.

Thirteen Folds of the United States Flag

The thirteen folds of the United States flag carry their own quiet sermon. At solemn ceremonies the flag is folded into a triangle and each fold is said to represent ideals such as faith, hope, and remembrance. Though not officially part of federal law these meanings have become a cherished tradition. They speak of liberty, sacrifice, and trust in God.

As the flag is folded thirteen times each crease calls to mind the enduring belief that in God we trust. Just as each fold carries a message of remembrance each believer is folded into the everlasting arms of the Good Shepherd. The shepherd gathers His flock from every nation just as the flag gathers stars and stripes into a single emblem. Each fold can remind us of the promises of Christ who calls His sheep and holds them secure. The ceremony of the folds whispers that freedom is a gift and faith is a guide. A nation that remembers God must mirror the flock that remembers the Good Shepherd. The final fold forms a shape of honor pointing heavenward which reflects the upward call of eternal life.

The reach of the Good Shepherd extends beyond the borders of Israel and beyond the boundaries of any nation. When Jesus speaks of other sheep He speaks of the world. The gospel moves from Jerusalem to Judea to the ends of the earth. Every culture can hear His call. Every tribe and tongue can find a place in His pasture.

This global vision challenges the church to mission and mercy. We as Believers are called to echo the Shepherd’s voice in every land. They are to invite the wandering to come home. The sheepfold is wide and the shepherd is willing.

To live as Christ’s sheep is to cultivate a listening heart. The noise of the world can drown the gentle voice of the shepherd. Prayer, Scripture, and fellowship help the believer stay attuned. Obedience follows listening. Love follows knowing. Loyalty follows trust.

Daily life offers many distractions yet the Good Shepherd speaks still. His voice guides decisions, grants courage, and gives peace. The believer who listens learns that the Good Shepherd’s path may lead through valleys but never to abandonment.

A Summons to Faith

John 10:16-27 is a song of safety and a summons to faith. The Good Shepherd calls His sheep across time and space. He knows them by name and gives them eternal life. Nations may rise and fall yet His kingdom stands unshaken.

The thirteen folds of the American flag can serve as a silent analogy of this Truth. Each careful crease symbolizes a trust in God that transcends generations. Just as the flag is folded into a lasting emblem of honor the believer is held in the everlasting embrace of the Good Shepherd. This image inspires us in gratitude, guides faith, and grants hope. The voice of the Good Shepherd still calls and His flock still follows. Those who hear and respond will never be lost but will live forever in His loving care.

Praying peace over Erika Kirk & Family, may comfort crown their days. Lifting our nation and world in prayer, for unwavering Faith, Hope unshaken and Love rooted in the Spirit and Truth of Jesus Christ.

No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. -John 10:18

Charlie Kirk & A Prophesy of Inclusion