The Senior Pastor of House on The Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, has said he did not intend to cause offence with his controversial ‘Saul’ parable but will not back down from his admonition that the forthcoming general election may not go the way many expect.
Adefarasin has been the target of attacks on social media for a few days for failing to openly endorse any presidential candidate ahead of Saturday’s presidential election.
In his Sunday sermon at The Rock Cathedral, Lagos, the cleric juxtaposed the Biblical story of Kings Saul and David with the Nigerian political situation.
According to him, Saul came before David but the former had “half a heart” compared to his successor’s “whole heart”.
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In the Nigerian context, he said, Nigerians (whom he called Samuel) must continue to pray for and encourage David, adding that the outcome of the forthcoming election might leave many people disappointed.
The pastor’s remark drew criticism, especially from supporters of Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who accused him of being a closet supporter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.
In a statement published on Twitter on Tuesday, Adefarasin explained why he did not endorse any candidate for the election and expanded on the Saul parable.
He said, “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.
“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 & 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 its 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.”
Adefarasin described the Permanent Voters Card (PVC) as a token of faith in a new Nigeria.
“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,” he said.