I was skimming over some Twitter feeds on Tuesday (June 4) and one caught my attention. I clicked on it and was taken to an article in The Washington Times entitled “Pastor says he ‘hurt’ congregation by praying for Trump on unscheduled visit”.
I re-read the headline and then read the article to make sure I understood what was being said.
My interpretation, in a nutshell, is this: Some members of a northern Virginia Baptist church were upset because their pastor prayed for the President of the United States, who just happened to make an unscheduled stop at their church on Sunday, June 2.
What’s more, the pastor of that congregation (McLean Bible Church in Vienna, Va.) just happens to be David Platt, former president of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board.
It’s no secret that I was not a big fan of Dr. Platt when he led the IMB. But I have to come to his defense on this.
Lonnie Wilkey
What is wrong with some of the people in his church if some members are “hurt” because he prayed for the president of the United States? Like it or not, Donald Trump is the president of this country. Whether you voted for him or not, everyone needs to pray for him and other political leaders — both locally and nationally. Our country is in a mess and it (and our leaders) need prayer.
For Christians to be upset because their pastor prayed for Donald Trump is ludicrous. Scripture commands us to pray for our political leaders: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, KJV).
What’s more, during his brief visit with President Trump, Platt witnessed to him. Can you imagine having just a few brief minutes to share the gospel with the leader of the United States of America? What Christian, in his or her right mind, could object to that? Yet, some do.
Christians, of all people, need to be concerned more about God’s agenda than personal agendas. In every instance, prayer must supersede politics. It was no coincidence that President Trump chose McLean Bible Church to visit. It had to be orchestrated by God.
Thank you, David Platt, for doing what was right. You should never have to apologize for praying for anyone, especially the President of the United States of America, no matter who it is.
