Psalm 105:15 is often quoted in defense of preachers who ask their followers to blindly follow them. Anyone who asks questions or who disagrees with those in authority, even when their concerns are expressed in love and respect, is branded as being rebellious. What is this verse REALLY saying?"
Thank you for asking a very legitimate question. Being one of the preachers and leaders you mention, I too have wondered about this verse. I think it's time to put it into a proper context, and then to confront any misapplications. The psalmist writes, "Do not touch my anointed ones; do my prophets no harm" (NIV).
While I appreciate those around me who pray for, love and support me, I'm always mindful of the fact that I, too, need accountability. Nobody is right all the time. Preachers are not infallible; however, the Scriptures require that those who labor in the gospel be treated with respect.
Admittedly, God uses imperfect vessels to deliver His perfect message! To be sure, the Bible tells us in 1 Timothy 5:17 that "the elders (pastors) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching." The writer to the Hebrews tells us to "obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (13:17).
With this being said, I personally find it difficult to receive correction, criticism and/or rebuke from those who do not support my calling and ministry with their prayers, friendship, and respectful attitudes. It is equally difficult to submit to leaders who seldom come around, or who never invest themselves in my life. However, these verses need to be put into balance.
I don't believe anyone should be manipulated, maligned, or mistreated in the house of God. It should be a safe haven. Pastors should not lord over their people and the "sheep" should honor the position of pastor, each submitting to one another in the fear of the Lord. The Apostle Peter makes this clear: "To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who will also share in the glory to be revealed. Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away" (1 Peter 5:1-4). It's both wonderful and sobering to know that true pastors one day are going to receive a crown of glory!
Let's go back to the original question. I do think that some misguided pastors and church leaders who maintain unreasonable control and who micro-manage their people sometimes quote Psalm 105:15 to support their delinquency. This is tragic. Yes, there are "Alexander the coppersmiths" (2 Timothy 4:14) in every church at some point. I know, because I've pastored some of them! You may recall that Alexander the coppersmith was the "metalworker [who] did the Apostle Paul much harm." He was an evil man who followed Paul and continually undermined his ministry. However, such people are very rare. Thank God! Surely you would agree that blatantly evil people should be dealt with decisively and harshly. Souls are at stake!
I keep diverting...Psalm 105:15 is nestled in a brief account of Israel's wanderings. God had promised the children of Israel, the descendants of Abraham, the land of Canaan "as the portion they would inherit" (verse 11). When kings and nations tried to oppress God's people, He intervened. His people never suffered destruction, even when famine destroyed the land. God always raised up a leader, a protector, a guardian of His covenant. In this case, He raised up Joseph (verses 17-19).
The "anointed ones" in verse 15 refer to the people of Israel--God's covenant people. The "prophets" refer to God's spokesmen who revealed God's Word and ways for each successive generation. Psalm 105:15 balances God's loving concern for those who lead with those who are led. By the way, this same passage is found in 1 Chronicles 16:19-22. In today's economy of grace, we who are indwelled by the Spirit are all "anointed."
As far as I can tell, the psalmist understood the priesthood of all believers--those who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit--and reminds them that God is their covenant maker and covenant protector. None of us--preachers included--should use this verse to justify wrong attitudes and actions in the house of God. The Christian life is best lived out in mutual love and respect for others. None of us should try to control, manipulate, judge, or wrongly use our influence, and when challenged use this verse to justify our actions.
You see, we do the Word, God, others and ourselves a gross injustice when we pull Bible verses out of context to support our misguided attitudes. Pulling rabbits out of a hat may be alright at the circus, but pulling verses out of context and at random always gets us into trouble.
Yes, honor the men and women of God who teach and preach. And pray that they "live a life worthy of the calling [they] have received" (Ephesians 4:1). Remember, however, that verse 2 balances out the whole thing: "Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love."
The Bible was not given to be used as a club when we need support and justification. It is a double-edged sword that exposes the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
Perhaps you have a question that you'd like for me to address? Send it to me by facebook or email it to: loomisrl@windstream.net.
Why do I see my Pastor laughing with some people; then when I come around he gets serious?
Questions so diverse continue to come in! Where do I begin? First, it seems from the tone of your question that your pastor has somewhat offended you. This is never his or her intention with anyone. I speak from 35 years in the pastoral ministry, so let me give you my perspective.
Pastors live in glass houses, and it's not an entirely comfortable place. I must confess that I tire of people trying to fit me into their perceived modes, but I guess this is one of the occupational hazards of being a pastor. My desire, which is the same for most pastors, is that people accept me for who I am, not what they think I should be.
Like you, I'm drawn to certain types of personalities and am somewhat uncomfortable with others. This doesn't make me right or wrong; it's just the way it is. You and I are comfortable with people who allow us to be ourselves--without reservation or qualification.
As a pastor, I've had to learn "how" to talk with people. In other words, I must learn how to best relate to peoples' expectations. This is not always easy. Some demand that I talk "church" or what I refer to as "Christianese." They prefer that I play the pastor role. And that's okay! Others prefer that I hide my struggles and demonstrate a victorious demeanor, regardless of my present situation. They even become upset when I show perceived spiritual flaws or weaknesses. Still others prefer that I be "Pastor Roger." Only a few allow me to be "just plain Roger." While I appreciate the honor and respect shown to me, I still long for people to love and accept me--warts and all. And YOUR pastor wants this, too. But perhaps, I dream the impossible dream.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 8:22-23, "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might win some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." What's Paul's overriding principle? He understood that people placed individual expectations on him, and he lived so as to affect as many people as possible for the gospel. And I'm okay with this principle.
Let me describe the types of people that I'm uncomfortable with and then I'll close with those types that make me feel safe. (You will find that your pastor can relate to what I'm about to say...and maybe YOU do, too!)
1. The super-spiritual, always praising Jesus type--I love Jesus as much as the next guy, but I've never found it necessary to carry a big Bible, quote Scripture to everyone I meet and talk ONLY about the things of God. These kinds of people unnerve me because I can't help but feel they're usually hiding something. They over-compensate and get flaky. I can't help but feel that Jesus laughed with His disciples while sitting around the campfire, and that He even wrestled in the dirt with impetuous Peter! In other words, Jesus was relevant; He was real!
2. The surprise attackers--These are the ones who approach me with a crooked smile and even a semi-kind demeanor, and then when they see that my guard is down, they stab me in the heart with a harsh, cruel comment--usually an unjust criticism.
3. The shockers--These are the ones who love to employ shock value when in conversation. They use inappropriate words or phrases that I'm very uncomfortable with. These kinds of people live "one the edge," and sometimes I wonder where their heart really is. I don't feel we need to give people a reason to doubt our Christian authenticity.
4. Carnal Christians--None of us talk, act and think like Jesus all the time, but we should make it our life's intention to hug up to the cross as closely as possible. That's why these people make me uncomfortable. When women say suggestive things or make inappropriate gestures around me, I want to be like Joseph and run! Men, too, can be carnal, especially when they employ vulgar language and obviously try to compete with me for whatever reason.
5. The blood suckers--These are high maintenance, low impact people who perpetually steal my time and energies, and give nothing in return but negative input. Of course, I love these people, but I find that a "little goes a long way!"
6. The "I love you, but..." people--Believe me, whatever follows "but" is seldom good. When people begin their conversation with this phrase or "Can we talk?" it's usually not a good thing. At such times I want to run for my life!
Now to the people to whom I love to talk:
1. People who love me unconditionally and expect nothing but my love, transparency and "realness" in return.
2. People who do not try to conform me into their image, but allow me to be who I am.
3. People who understand that I'm a hopelessly flawed man, who's saved by the same grace they are, who struggles with daily life, and who just happens to be a pastor.
4. People who know me and still accept my influence as their spiritual leader.
5. People who do not demand perfection, and allow me to be the "work in progress" that I am.
Have I chased rabbits in answering your question? Maybe your Pastor has placed you in one of the above negative categories? Really think about it.
And then, will you pray that God will help both your Pastor and me to walk "in Christ" and to be the unique people He's made us to be?
