The Prayer
By now you’ve probably seen where President Trump made an unannounced visit to McLean Bible Church where the pastor, Dr. David Platt, prayed for him.
You can read for yourself how that Platt and his church were only notified moments before the President was to arrive, so it wasn’t a planned event in order to garner attention. I don’t believe that it was even something that Trump planned on becoming so viral, especially since he showed up with a totally different hair style.
But the prayer, oh my goodness, was a powerful and heartfelt, biblically-sound intercession on behalf of the most powerful leader in the free world. Platt did exactly what any pastor should have done – any Christian, for that matter – with grace and respect.
Click here to watch the prayer and read Dr. Platt’s response to the protesters in his congregation. https://www.mcleanbible.org/prayer-president
The Protests
But not minutes after David Platt prayed, members of his own church – snowflakes resting gently in the auditorium – began to express their disapproval and hurt that their beloved and respected pastor would dare go to God on behalf of (ugh!) The President of the United States.
Yes, even after a God-honoring prayer, along with a calm and clear explanation of what was going on, Platt was hit with protests over what he did. How in the name of all that’s holy is that even possible? . . . If, that is, the members who complained were biblically literate at ALL??
I exhort [that means it’s highly encouraged] 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 would include a president]; [Why?] that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-4
What is there in the above passage that allows for a person NOT to pray for the President? To NOT do so would be to disobey a clear imperative!
The “Apology”
Look, I’ve never been the biggest fan of David Platt, but I am not a hater, either. I greatly respect the man and what he’s accomplished for the Lord and His Kingdom. Therefore, I want to tread very carefully as I write what I’m feeling.
If we take a look at the letter Platt sent out to his congregation at McLean Bible Church, it was a gracious, mature, loving attempt to calm any conflict and keep unity within a politically diverse environment. Believe me, I get it.
However, it’s that one itty-bitty line from his explanation (and not necessarily an apology) that rubs many of us the wrong way…
“I wanted to share all of this with you in part because I know that some within our church, for a variety of valid reasons, are hurt that I made this decision.”
Based on what I see clearly defined in Scripture, what on earth could be a “valid reason” for being hurt?
IF it had been me – and it wasn’t – I’d probably been shaking in my shoes being on stage with the President. That’s the first thing. But secondly, IF that had been me, and if I’d had the opportunity to pray for Trump, and if I’d gotten complaints for doing so, I’d likely given my own, genuine apology – yes, an apology – to the congregation, and it would have gone something like this…
“Dear brothers and sisters, some of you have expressed hurt that I prayed for the President of the United States of America this morning. Because of your hatred of the man, you could not reconcile your political ideology with the clear commands of God outlined in His divinely-inspired Word. It was either that, or you simply did not understand that 1 Timothy 2:1-4 applied to anyone but Nero, the man who actually used to burn people like us in order to light the streets of Rome. Therefore, I want to apologize to you for evidently not teaching you the whole counsel of God and leaving you with a deficient understanding of Scripture which has left you with hurt feelings at this time.”
Of course, this is probably why I don’t pastor a church like Platt’s. I’m not much for platitudes these days.
The Recovering Legalist 
Whenever I hear of a political leader, or politician at any level, dropping in to a church to be prayed for, my curiosity always rises. Now, I don’t know if there was another service following the completed service that the President remained for, if not the curiosity level rises even more.
That was a Biblical, God Honouring Prayer, hopefully the President was listening, and allowed Holy Spirit to minister to him.
I also cannot understand an apology being made to the congregation about praying for the President, when as Dr. Pratt mentioned and read, we are told to pray for leaders in Scripture. Also cannot understand people in the congregation complaining about their Pastor praying.
There must be somethings in there this Canadian guy don’t know.
Just curious Pastor Anthony, since you are not a fan of Dr. Platt, is there theological differences, or anything you feel free to mention?
I have read a couple of his books, and actually appreciate them.
Thank you Pastor.
When I say I’m not a “fan” of David Platt, I mean that I’m not enamored with him as a spiritual hero like some have been. He has been a popular figure with certain segments within our denomination of the Church, but I’ve never gotten that excited. It’s more of a preference thing than a theological thing. I’m sure there are some things we’d disagree on, but we agree on far, far more. I hope that helps clarify.
That is how I was thinking you meant, thanks for clarifying.
Amen brother. Yee gads, the audacity to pray for the President. 🙂
Excellent.
Wise words, here. I’m 100% with you on this.
Amen Brother. Succinct. Needed to be said.
What’s this world coming to when in the space of three days, the Baptists apologize for praying and the Methodists refuse to apologize for believing the Bible?
What IS this world coming to, indeed!
Paradigm shift? Can you imagine Lester Roloff’s sermon upon hearing the above?
Or Harold Slightler?
LOL. Wrath of God stuff, for sure 😉
Harsh Bro, harsh.
The world could use a little more “Hating even the garment” preaching!
Watch me preach tomorrow night on Facebook live 😊. My night to preach in our city-wide revival.
Hook me up.
Here’s my profile link. Look me up tonight around 7 pm. It’s a community revival, so we’ve been having different pastors/preachers speak each night, and two at that. Tonight, Alan Rogers will preach first, then me. We have limited our preaching time to 20 minutes each. So, I won’t actually be on the stage until closer to 7:30. But watch earlier, just in case, because my daughter, Katie, will be singing as I play guitar 🙂
https://www.facebook.com/anthony.c.baker.16
Anthony, I’m so sorry. I was driving home from work and when I clicked on the link it wouldn’t show your page (the part with the post) unless I logged in.
I don’t have the Facebook app on my phone and I couldn’t remember my password to log in.
If it’s preserved anywhere send me a link.
See if this will work. I’m the second sermon. https://www.facebook.com/2325430217742428/posts/2345911092361007?sfns=mo
That was very good! I listened to the first one accidentally, thinking that was you.
Your sermon would stand! And did.
It made me wonder if the suffering we go through because of sin can reap something for the Lord when we repent.
Solid preaching. I could put you in any IFB in the South and you’d fit in.
Except a Ruckmanite one.
Your daughter has a beautiful voice, y’all must be proud!
Yep
Good stuff and right thinking Anthony. God is more in control than any of our presidents have been (who need all the help they can get). We MUST pray for them
Good stuff and right thinking Anthony. God is more in control than any of our presidents have been (who need all the help they can get). We MUST pray for them.
Worth liking twice 😊
Sorry, if I was a pastor I would repeat myself too much