001: Pastor David & President Donald

If you don’t know, former IMB President and current pastor of Mclean Bible Church, David Platt, had an unexpected guest at the 1:00 worship gathering Sunday, June 2nd. This unexpected guest was none other than the POTUS, Mr. Donald Trump. The details of Donald Trump’s visit to Mclean Bible Church can be found here, and a live video can be found here.

A quick drag of social media (I’ll let you do that for yourself!) will find mixed reactions to this event. Some applaud Pastor Platt’s actions, and some condemn the descision as unwise. Without unpacking the varied responses, what are some lessons pastors and church members can learn or be reminded of?

1. The Bible commands followers of Jesus to pray for our government leaders. I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:1-4). 
2. This command includes leaders of all political positions. Paul issued the original command to Timothy while living in a Roman Empire that was decidedly un-Christian. We should have been faithful to pray for Mr. Obama, we should faithfully pray for Mr. Trump, and we must faithfully pray for the next POTUS regardless of his or her politics.
3. Our prayers must be Gospel focused. God wants all people to be “saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.” Therefore, we specifically pray for the salvation of our leaders. We cannot presume because our leaders share our political position that they are believers. Hell will be equally filled with Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, and Republicans. Pray the Gospel would invade our leaders lives.
4. We need Biblical wisdom and grace to apply this truth. In this fallen and evil age it can be difficult to discern what is pleasing to the Lord in every situation. Not every situation is “black and white.” This is why we need our minds transformed by the Scriptures. Ultimately, we evaluate our actions and the actions of others based on faithfulness to the Scriptures. So, when someone applies 1 Timothy 2:1-4 differently than we would, we must respond with gracious understanding.

Let’s be slow to say, “I would have done it just like Pastor Platt.” Let’s also be slow to say, “Pastor Platt shouldn’t have done it that way.” Rather, simply be thankful that Pastor Platt obeyed 1 Timothy 2:1-4, and prayed the Gospel over a man who desperately needs it. Trump’s soul depends on it. Hopefully, from Pastor Platt’s example we will more faithfully pray for our leaders after the pattern of Scripture.