In our last edition, we saw how US President Donald Trump made an impromptu visit to McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Virginia, a suburb of Washington DC. He was at the church for only 11 minutes. He received prayer from the Senior Minister, Dr. David Platt, and then quietly left the church without making any public comments. The date of the prayer: 2 June 2019, was called a Day of Prayer for the President by Franklin Graham.
Dr. Platt was in a ‘no-win’ situation. He received criticism within his church because some members were ‘hurt for a variety of valid reasons’ (his words) that he prayed for the Presidents. Outside the church, he was criticised for seeking to appease those who were upset.
If ever there should be a refuge from the storm, a rehoboth from the Philistines, a cave of Adullam from murderous king Saul, it should be the church. Often times it is, but sometimes the political storms within can be as intense as in the halls of parliament.
Was Dr. Platt right – or wrong – to pray for the US President? What does Scripture say? What should our attitude towards leadership be?
SCRIPTURAL COMMAND: I Timothy 2:1-4. This was Dr. Platt’s justification for praying for the President, or any political leader, even if we don’t endorse them: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. It couldn’t be clearer – we are to pray for leadership, whether we like them or not, or voted for them or not. Like the Queen, we need to do our duty.
There is a tangible benefit in praying for leadership: If the leader prospers, so do we. The blessing of God will flow to us so we can ‘lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.’
Think of a political leader that you do not personally like. Then imagine that same leader comes to your local church, humbly received prayer to be a better leader, and then quietly departed. Would that bother you? Or would you see it as a good sign that God is over all and His blessing sought for the good of the nation?
Let’s face it. Those at McLean who were ‘hurt’ by their pastor’s decision to pray for the President were, in truth, offended. And there can be no ‘valid reason’ to be offended when a pastor is simply and humbly following the clear commands of Scripture. Psalm 119:165 can help in this case.
Had Mr. Trump used the occasion to turn the pastor’s pulpit into his own ‘bully pulpit,’ particularly partisan politics, that would have been very inappropriate. But he did not do anything of the kind. Instead, be glad that Mr. Trump, like other political leaders, is more than willing to humble himself and receive prayer.
ATTITUDE TOWARDS LEADERS: When Paul was being interrogated in Jerusalem, the high priest signalled to those nearby to smite him on the mouth. The apostle’s reaction: God will smite you, you whited wall.’ When he was informed that it was the high priest he was cursing, the apostle backed off: Paul admitted he did not know it was the high priest and, quoting from Exodus 22:28, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.
What does this mean? Are leaders above constructive criticism for their policies and actions? No. That’s not what it means. The passage in Exodus actually says you shall not revile the gods or curse the ruler of your people. We are entitled to have an opinion on the issues of the day (hint: it is a good idea to study up on the issue before offering an opinion). Yet, when it comes to leaders, we are to pray and bless, not revile and curse.
We all have a vested interest in their success. And, if they flagrantly fall short, God is well able to replace them with someone better (Psalm 75:6-7).
As Dr. Platt prayed ’Lord we pray, we pray that you would give him all the grace he needs to ….’ That’s a good prayer for presidents, prime ministers, monarchs, church leaders, and, of course, all of us.