“Saul Will Come Before David” — Pastor Paul Adefarasin

Paul Adefarasin, the senior pastor of the house on the rock church has come under fire and faced harsh criticism after a viral video of him giving a sermon in relation to the upcoming election hit the internet.

In the viral video, Paul Adefarasin is seen telling his congregation that the election might not go the way they want it to. While citing a parable, he said “Saul will come before David”, but encouraged the people to go home and pray for a peaceful transition of power.

“Here is the parable. Saul came before David; David did not come before Saul. Saul will come, and David will come after,” he said.

“And hold it for a moment, Saul was not all that bad. He didn’t start out badly. 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.”

However, his sermon has triggered a lot of reactions on social media with people saying that his parable on Saul and David was very insensitive at a time like this. He has faced a lot of backlash and criticism across all social media platforms.

Reacting to critics, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, who did not come out openly to endorse any presidential candidate in a series of tweets said he stood by what God told him.

READ ALSO: 5 Nigerian Pastors Backing Peter Obi for President

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,” 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 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.

“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.”