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Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show after a six-day suspension by ABC, following backlash to his remarks about the murder of activist Charlie Kirk. The suspension stemmed from pressure by the FCC and media affiliates who preempted the show for being “insensitive.” Even after reinstatement, powerful affiliates such as Nexstar and Sinclair continue refusing to air the program.
Why was Kimmel suspended in the first place? According to the BBC, Jimmy Kimmel’s ABC suspension was provoked by the comment that the “MAGA gang” was “desperately trying to characterise this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them” and of trying to “score political points from it”. Such comments not only initiated his suspension but also kept his show off the air even after reinstatement. Talk about watching the words you say in public!
Whether Kimmel’s comments were “right or wrong” isn’t necessarily the issue, but it does point to the bigger cultural reality. In a world where networks and corporations control the microphones, voices can be silenced. Media gatekeeping, cancel culture, and censorship aren’t new, but they are amplified in today’s age.
If earthly powers can silence broadcast voices, how does our confidence in God’s truth—and in Jesus as the ultimate “Word made flesh”—sustain us when we face pressure or censorship for speaking boldly?
The Power of God Can Never Be Silenced
Biblically speaking, we know that this earth is not our home. While we are to respect human authorities, Jesus Himself is the eternal Word of God that cannot and never will be silenced (John 1:1, 14). Being careful with the words we say matters to God. It also matters to those around us. In word, deed, and action, we are representatives of Christ.
Second, we are called to speak in Jesus’ Name, even when and if authorities tell us otherwise. Obviously, Kimmel’s words were raw and unfiltered. They wouldn’t pass this test. But my point is this: Just as the Apostles were commanded not to speak in Jesus’ name, we, too, can reply: “We cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:18-20, paraphrased). When networks pull air, we can still speak and stand for Christ’s truth.
Friends, the word of God is not chained (2 Timothy 2:9). While human voices may fade, be limited, or even censored, God’s Word stands forever (Isaiah 40:8). Media corporations can cancel a show. Comedians and television hosts can be suspended. Governments can pass speech restrictions. Social media platforms can suspend and block accounts. But no power can silence God’s Word. And that Word lives in us, His people.
Historically speaking, the Bible has been banned in nations. Preachers have been imprisoned, believers have been mocked, and missionaries have been murdered. The life of many Christians isn’t just a declaration; it’s often a death sentence. And yet, the Gospel continues to spread.
On this side of Heaven, Jesus promised persecution, hardship, and opposition (John 15:18-20), but He also promised His Spirit would give us words to say, especially when we need them most (Luke 12:11-12). If you’re struggling with these recent events, I want to challenge you with 2 things:
1. Don’t get caught up in the drama.
2. But do shift your gaze to what you can do amidst these situations.