Our reporter| Following the criticism that trailed his Sunday’s sermon in relation to the 2023 presidential election, Paul Adefarasin, the senior pastor of House on the Rock church, on Tuesday, said it was God who gave him the parable, adding that he does not know the meaning.
In a video that has been trending online, Adefarasin is seen telling his congregation that the elections might not go as they expect, but encouraged the people to pray for a peaceful transition of power.
Citing a parable, he said, “Saul will come before David.”
“Here is the parable. Saul came before David; David did not come before Saul. Saul will come, and David will come after.”
“And hold it for a moment, Saul was not all that bad. He didn’t start out bad. He actually started out as a prophet and he did a lot of good, because he had half a heart. David had a whole heart, and it was necessary that he come after.”
But his statement has been widely criticised on social media with many of his followers suggesting that he has been bought over.
Reacting to his critics on Tuesday, the cleric called for calm, stating that he gave the parable as received from God, adding that he is yet to even understand the meaning.
“Friends, you have kept me busy with your tweets, posts, and comments. Though many are harsh, I appreciate your feedback and I still want to take a minute to share my stance with you again, in the hope that you may gain a clearer understanding,” he tweeted.
“As with all of you, I identify as a Nigerian and a patriot, so undoubtedly, I share in your pain. Living in Nigeria, I share the desire for a working country and that is why we all consider this election critical in our collective quest for a New Nigeria.
“I really believe that it will happen, and I wish that you could see what I see – the hope that the parable of Saul and David brings – the after-victory. I understand that there are varying interpretations of the parable of Saul and David, and that is fine.
“However, remember that the giver of the parable is the One that can give meaning to it. God gave me that parable and even as I released it, I have continued to search for it’s applicable meaning to the present Nigerian circumstances.
“I feel blessed to have your ear, however, I will ask that you listen deeply for understanding, so that you do not miss the message.
“Saul, instead of trusting in God, tried to manipulate things and even discountenanced his mentor, Samuel. David on the other hand stumbled, but never stuttered, he was delayed but not too late.
“So, whether Saul represents our past or our present, only God knows. Whether David represents the future or now, I can’t tell. In any case, the ‘wise’ will wait for the election period to play itself out, before concluding or judging the messenger.
“Finally, kindly remember that I shepherd people of all parties, and if that parable was taken in offense, my intention was not to offend you.
“However, I stand by what I heard God say to me: that Saul came before David. This means that even if this election does not go the way that you want it to go, don’t be disappointed.
‘Every election will produce some disappointment for the camps of the candidates who lose. God’s will shall still come to pass in Nigeria. It will happen and His ‘David’ will rise to the role. We will get there. Remember, we are all in this together.
“If you have your PVC, it is a token of your faith in a New Nigeria. Go out and vote as your convictions lead you, and watch God Almighty do what only He can do.”
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