So another pastor in Chicago just can’t remain focused on God during his time in the pulpit. This time the point of wrath is Hillary Clinton. We’ve commented on the bizarre nature of pastors losing focus in the pulpit before when the Jeremiah Wright controversy came up, and this is more of the same. Why can’t pastors stick to teaching the Word of God?
It’s not the content (he’s free to be in the tank for Obama if he wishes), it’s where he chooses to express his views; is ranting about Hillary the best use of pulpit time for Mr. Pfleger? When speaking from the pulpit, he’s representing God Himself — does Reverend Pfleger want us to believe God is pro-Obama and anti-Hillary? Is Reverend Pfleger putting words in God’s mouth? Fools rush in where …. oh nevermind.
I certainly wouldn’t want to be in the Reverend Pfleger’s position explaining before God why he felt this was the best use of his sermon time — attacking Hillary trumped all other issues (sin, salvation, hell)? Me thinks a loooong and uncomfortable discussion for Mr. Pfleger awaits.
Even the Catholic Church agrees his campaigning is incorrect:
The Catholic Church does not endorse political candidates. Consequently, while a priest must speak to political issues that are also moral, he may not endorse candidates nor engage in partisan campaigning.
Some may say we’re being picky, yet misrepresenting God is a serious issue. When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt, while traveling in the desert they needed water. God gave Moses directions (Exodus 17), Moses follows and the water comes forth. But fast-forward a period of time and a similar event occurs (Numbers 20), but this time with different results.
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts. (Numbers 20:7-11 KJV)
But this time Moses didn’t exactly follow God’s instructions (he hit the rock instead of speaking to it, and displayed anger to the people). But was God angry? Certainly you can understand Moses’ feelings after being with these people for a long time listening to their complaining, but he failed to follow God’s instructions, and even took credit for God’s work (“must we fetch water for you”). Dangerous territory.
Moses misrepresented God, and ended up in the penalty box for it.
And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them (Numbers 20:12 KJV)
Misrepresenting God is a big deal. Whatever a person wants to do politically is their own business, but when representing God it’s best to stick to His Words and avoid political attacks if for no other reason than there’s more important things to talk about.
It’s a sad day when pastors feel politics is more important than God’s Word.
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