President Obama and the Bible

(Susan Walsh / Associated Press / February2, 2012)Many of us who are biblical scholars have watched Mr. Obama’s use, or should I say abuse, of the Bible with dismay.

Who can forget when he gave a speech mocking the ceremonial law of the Old Testament then saying something to the effect of, “How can you govern by the Sermon on the Mount?”

Well, he did it again at the National Prayer Breakfast. I never understood that name since very little prayer, if any, takes place. Instead, perhaps it should be called the National Breakfast Gathering.

The president quoted the Bible to justify punishing those who have worked hard, and most of whom are very generous givers, in order to take their money and give it to many of his constituencies who are always standing outside the doors of the White House with out-stretched hands.

Mr. Obama, in justifying his misguided policy, quoted Jesus in Luke 12:48: 
“From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

No, you do not have to have a seminary degree to know that Jesus is talking about individual stewardship in an individual’s relationship with God.

For it is God who gives each person different portions of gifts, talents, and treasure to manage according to His sovereign will. It is God who entrusts people with what they have, not the government.

God is the One who will judge the faithfulness of each individual’s stewardship and blessing, or lack thereof.  In Luke 12:48, Jesus, God the Son, is exhorting individuals to be faithful and give generously without regret.

Understanding this, one has to wonder if Mr. Obama has replaced God with his administration. He must believe that when he says “much is given,” he refers to what is given by the government, and “much is demanded,” as that which is demanded by the government. This is 180° opposite to the truth.

This is a very dangerous precedent. We have had egotistical presidents before, from both political spectrums, but never to my knowledge have we had one who saw himself as replacing God, or one who views his administration as acting on God’s behalf or instead of God.

Misquoting the Scripture is a common practice by some politicians to advance their cause, but this abuse of the Scripture and viewing one’s administration as the judge and executioner, not for crimes, but for personal stewardship, has reached a new low in egotism.

Mr. Obama needs to issue an immediate and urgent apology for his misuse and mangling of the Scripture.

Comments

[Charlotte Travis]

Amen! Just finished writing a lesson from Esther on this very evil of plundering from one to give to another. Haman made a horrific decree to annihilate the Jews, but adding "...and to plunder their possessions," was that line item that would bring some on board. Evil is evil, no matter what the economic climate. Thank you for proclaiming truth!

[Debra Evans]

When I heard this, it made me sick. Obama gave app 1% of his income last year. Joe Biden gave $200 or $300. I do believe as individuals and followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to give- not the government. Besides how can we as a country give what we don't have.

[kearndog]

Worldly concerns right? Although frustrating, any Christian believer that knows the scripture will be able to interpret the worldly falsehood, but we shouldn’t concern ourselves with this world, but allow God to do his work, even if that work allows suppression by evildoers, we stand firm in faith by patience right? However, as the farmer waits for rain, he still stays busy in preparation, so hopefully Christians can get busy focusing on Christ and uniting ourselves, instead of staying scattered. Who knows, maybe God will bring out a Christian democracy someday. Wouldn’t that be nice.

[Ray]

Thank you. I pray that you keep our short sighted eyes open in this world of thousand shades of gray.

[John H]

It seems to me that we have become a nation of those who work for a living and those who vote for a living. Those who vote for a living are more likely to be "professional victims" in search of a "rescuer" (please notice I did not use the word "Savior").They are the perfect compliment to a narcissistic and apparently rudderless "man who would be king" who seems to have dedicated his life to manipulation, obfuscation, cronyism and self promotion, while not letting the truth contaminate any of these pursuits.

Is there no shame? Is there no low to which Mr. Obama will not stoop (or shall I say bow) to further his elitism, anti-capitalism and apparent anti-Christian pursuits?

It is uncomfortable to notice the disgusting, disrespectful (to the Office, to the military, to the people of the United States, to followers of Christ, and so on), unlawful, un-Constitutional and un-Biblical (he's not the first, just the worst on this one) behaviors from the Obama White House. What is more uncomfortable is to realize that it was the people of the United States that voted such a man and an administration into office in the first place!

May God spare us from the justice we deserve! Perhaps an Obama presidency is the administration of His justice.

[Joe]

Jesus is coming back and to those who know and believe that, they better be on alert. I'm pretty confident that is the correct interpretation of this scripture in its proper context.

[Paul R]

Barack Obama is using scripture to justify government stealing from those who have worked for it and then giving it to those who do not work. Jesus always talked to individuals and we are commanded by him to give willingly (with a cheerful heart) to those who we see in need. Government forcibly taking was never found in any of Jesus teaching.

[chawley]

When the church gives money, it knows the persons and the needs; the church gives generously to the truly needy. When the government gives, there is no genuine accountability. Our current system, which Obama would expand, encourages people who are not genuinely unable to earn money to take handouts. Not only does this giveaway system weaken the recipients but it also weakens their children. I pray those who give tithes and gifts are able to keep more of their money in order to give it through organizations like Leading the Way and COTA so the money can be used to strengthen and edify the poor.

[Jim]

Speaking of 180 degrees
go watch: www.180movie.com

[Sue Streufert]

I agree with what you are saying about President Obama, but..............why are you endorsing Mr. Gingrich who is of a similar mind set as our now president? Doesn't make sense to me???

[Joan]

He sounds very much like the forerunner. Preparing people's minds in moving in the direction of the anti-christ.

[Same]

Sue
If you can not tell the difference between Obama and Gingrich who forced Bill Clinton to end welfare as we knew it , balanced the budget for 4 years, passed the protection of marrage act, and putting an end to partial birth abortion then you are totally and completely out of touch

[Redeemed B.]

This President feels he is above our laws and our GOD. He reminds me of a verse:
Dan. 7:25 He will speak out against the Most High and wear down the saints of The Highest One and he will intend to make alterations in the times and in the law; .......

[James Cuneo]

I find it just as strange that persons of extra-means can read the same verse of Scripture and pervert it to cover their opposition to giving as quoted here by Christ. Where did you read into the verse that God meant it to different for people or government. After Pentecost those who had gave to keep those who did not nourished both physically and spiritually. Paul urged his new Gentile converts who were poor in goods but great in love for God's people to rescue the perishing Jewish converts in Jerusalem. What is the difference if giving is done through a governmental agency to benefit the starving, sick, disaster ridden, unemployed and disabled? If we're to love our neighbors as we love ourselves then those who have been given much are to be expected to give much. If charitable giving were fervent enough to take care of those ills I would agree that we need not contribute extraordinarily to a government. But, you and I both know that those who are interested only in laying up of treasures of this earth are not going to or have they ever contribute enough to their brrothers. So, we elect people to represent us collect enough to take care of the problem. They, the representatives, have lately bought into amassing their own wealth as professional politicians. Who wring their hands at the terrible conditions and use platitudes and their own misinterpretation of God's Word to protect their positions and those who support them. Most of those who have most of the wealth are only interested in how to protect and increase their worldly treasures. Just possibly someone has come along who actually wants to love his brother and you might be over-interpreting or not taking note of the full context of his interpretation.

[jen carver]

It is so refreshing to have a pastor that deals with relevent political issues. So many christians are looking for guidance (with a Biblicall World View) in this area of our lives and few pastors are willing to stand up and speak out on it!! Thank you Pastor Youssef.

[Moe]

Regarding an immediate and urgent apology by President Obama for his arrogantly egotistical misuse, abuse and mangling of Scripture (which he's done before, as pointed out), please don't anybody plan on holding your breath until he comes across. (I believe as well that he is a forerunner -- a very willing tool as placed into service by the wicked one.)

[Shirley Goodwin]

Dr. Youself,

Thank-you sooooooo much for posting this blog and discerning the truth behind the President's speech.
There are to many christians who can't discern and are being taken in by the deciet of his words. We and all christians are to be dependant upon GOD, not the government to supply our needs. He(the president) has so damaged our nation, and now is using scripture to manipulates votes. It is obvious that he does not have a healthy fear of our God Jehovah!
Thank-you again for your post .


srg

[MAE]

I am amazed that so called believers and scholars spend so much time criticisizing the president and the system when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ told us that He left us peace. Is this behavior the fruit of the Spirit. We should spend more time praying and studying the Bible. If Obama is the forerunner or anti- christ we as Christians should be elated because that would indicate that we as sojourners will be going to heaven soon. Is not that our glorious goal to be in heaven with Jesus? Instead many people are obsessed with trying to make heaven on earth. It is Ok keep all your wealth and do not share it with the poor see where you will end up in eternity- read Mark 10 v 17-25. Please do not get me wrong I am guilty because I have wealth and I struggle everyday because of what the Word teaches me to do but I am not going to sit here and be self righteous and twist the Bible to fit my sin. The government and the church alike has been caught in fraudulent use of funds they have gained over the ages and much of it even currently is not going to the poor. Are we here to play god and decide who is wrong or right. Who here has not sinned and fallen short of God's glory and who here could have stoned the women caught in adultery. Exactly who should President Obama apologize to? you ? Whatever his sins are he should be praying to Jesus and asking for forgiveness. I know some people will be unable to comprehend this as stated by Paul in Ephesians 4 v 18 " they are darkened in their understanding alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to their darkness of heart". Remember we are not to be directed by president, evangelist, preacher, scholar or fellow Christians but ONLY by the Bible the living Word of Jesus Christ our Savior and Son of our God everlasting. I will be praying for all of us. Be careful who is mangling the Scriptures.

[Adella]

I agree with you, wholeheartedly, but what can we do? Pray AND vote!! Christians arise!!!!!!

[Alex]

It is very unfortunate that I cannot look at this president without total disdain. I want more than anything to find some good in his policies but the more I look the worse it gets. He really makes it hard to respect him, much less love him, as we are commanded to do. I have no confidence in anything he says and I trust him even less. When I see him something in me shuts down. The gall he has to even quote scripture amazes me. No surprise to me that he pulls out scriptures to suit his latest program. I cannot judge him because I do not really know what is in his heart, but the scripture says in Matthew that a tree is known by its fruit. That being the case I cannot eat the fruit he is producing. My prayer is that God deliver us from another 4 years of this whatever kind of administration this is or whatever you want to call it.

[jan simmons]

I found it revolting that Obama invokes Jesus' name. Where was Jesus' name on January 23rd March for Life when Obama gave a statement PRAISING Roe v. Wade, that allowed for the murder of millions of our fellow brethren. Where was Jesus' name when as a Senator he had the opportunity to vote FOR the Born Alive Protection Act and he voted AGAINST it. He not only never mentioned Jesus' name Obama helps facilitate the murder of the innocent.

He is a hypocrite of the worse kind!

[casey]

Obama is here to stay. Thru re-election or by declaring voter discrimination and fraud. Al Gore was reluctant to leave Pennsylvania Ave. in 2000' and ransacked the place before leaving. Obama and his reign of terror will grow to unfathomable levels in the next several years. We have only scratched the surface of his coming fury. He will continue to misinterprete scripture and pervert the word of God. Hang on to your hat but most importantly hang on to Christ with all your might. Prepare to have your courage tested to unprecedented levels. Pray also for rapture , it will be our only way out. We have yet to see Obamas wrath. For the book has been written, and the judgment of man is upon us. Glory be to God.

[casey]

As for Newt, because of the times we live in. And because of the obstacles we face, it is so important to stand along side and get behind a man of true faith. Newt is surely in love with himself and his commercial with Nancy Pelosi for government intervention in slowing global warming solidifies his lack of faith in God and his creation and more engulfed in government ruling over Gods creation also referred to as mankind. From Dr. Youseff to each and everyone of us, we need to be willing and ready to walk away from all of the current gifts God has bestowed on each of us. Worldly accomplishments and more importantly possessions need to be put in there proper place at this time. You are either on the train with Christ entirely or you stand in opposition. The lines in the sand are being drawn daily.

[Moms reading the Bible]

Just yesterday morning, I was in a Bible study group where we discussed the "misquoting of Scripture" and this exact reference was discussed before this blog was released. While in another situation, a Christian teacher was praising Obama for quoting this Scripture. Oh, that we would be able to live out Matthew 10:16 "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves".
Thank you for opening eyes who might not see this for what it really is-wreckless and careless.

[Joe Clem]

Has anyone heard or wonder why Obama does not mock or misuse passages from the Quran, as he does from the Bible? When one answers that question correctly, then you will know why he mocks or misuses Scripture from the Bible!

[abey]

Except that Daniel in the Bible saw through his talks & works 2500 years ago & wrote of the manner"He will not regard the desire of women" even to constraints & controls through Abortions, Deceitful PP, gay promotions, even to hide the truth, by trying to remove the name of the truth, surprise mister Obama & to his gangs who are into tagging, for in turn they have been tagged ages ago, in the truth of the Scriptures "GOD sees the end from the beginning". Mr Obama & his gang should start to believe in GOD for which is The Christ, instead of wading through "Sorcery"

[Jopeli]

Michael Youssef and the rest of the so called christian right would make the pharisees blush.God was talking to the government of Israel when he said:
" For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land." Deuteronomy 15:11
Frankly I don't see how anybody who has embraced the republican philosophy can make it to the kingdom of Jesus Christ, the friend of the humble and the poor.

[casey]

Jopeli. Increased Taxes are feeding government not man. Individually Christians continue to give and give. Christian outreaches,churches,hospitals, oversea funding to feed and cloth the world. All of these entities and hundreds of others affiliated with the Christian Giver are funded by christians and there charity. Obama is trying to forcibly tap into this very revenue stream. Think about it. You see your ignorance now.

[Raymond Saenz]

Praise the Lord!

For He works in mysterious ways. By Mr. Obama's quoting of Luke 12:48, the President condemns himself. He is a lawless man in his flesh, but he will be held accountable for his actions by God who inspired the Holy Scriptures. By quoting the law the President is a law unto himself (Romans 2:14).

The President is the champion of the homosexuals, abortionists, Muslims, devil worshipers, and he is a worshiper of money. Now he is ensnared into agreeing that God who hates all those sins, is his Judge. Romans 1:22 tells us, "claiming to be wise, they became fools." Is this not Mr. Obama's condition? Repent! God says he will have mercy on those who repent (Ezekiel 18:22).

We Christians must pray for Barack Obama (and his demon possessed staff) since he stated, "to whom much has been given, much will be required". To my understanding everything Mr. Obama has has been given to him including the stewardship of the United States of America. Much will be required of him if not in this life then in eternity.

[Rev. Dr. Rudolph G. Babcock]

Am I missing something here?? Why has no one brought up the parable of the talents in Matthew 25: 14 onward? This is a parable told by Jesus himself. God expects us to be productive, to increase, and to multiply. It is a good thing to give and take care of the poor but not the Obama way. We must give so that God can measure our hearts. The Obama way of a forced social society at the direction of the government leaves nothing in us for God to measure. Remember, when God created Adam, God gave Adam work to do. And, it is so throughout the Bible --- Abraham was not instructed to be poor and give all his wealth away. Job's wealth was stolen by Satan. Job's reward from God for his faithfulness was in fact to be re blessed 10 fold.
This government believes that all we have has been "given" to us by this government and uses this passage of scripture and mindset to include all we have worked for as something given. God is a respector of what has been worked for --- Even from Cane, God respected his work. It was Cane's attitude that was not pleasing to God. The Old Testament is full of a work ethic that rewards hard work. Remember, David was required to "purchase" the land for the eventual temple. The Obama behavior and ethic leads me to believe Obama would have "taken" it.

[Light]

I wanted to know your thoughts on what God has put on my heart thru this blog http://lightoftheearth.blogspot.com/ If i have said anything outside of the truth please let me know.

[Jopeli]

The government is not a private enterprise.It collects money from the citizens in order to spend it for their best interest.You do not object to money being wasted on weapons and military base,You do object however to the government spending money to help the homeless and the sick.
God will eventually bring all us into judgement.Based on what I am been seeing.Obama stands a better chance of finding mercy on that day.
It is not enough to be against abortion and gay marriage to call yourself a christian.Some members of organized crime are against abortion and gay marriage.Yet, I would not think of calling them christians.

[Hyster]

I wrote a letter to Obama about my son's incredible dream/vision linking 911 to the rising evil in America and the greatest of which being abortion. He responded by saying, 'we mustn't let the differences in our faith divide us'. I must say then, that his 'faith' is much much different than mine. We ARE divided because I could never agree that the killing of a child is justifiable. I am also dismayed he doesn't believe 2Joel28:29 about the Holy Spirit being poured out in the last days. Like Pharaoh, his heart is hardened, and we must pray for the scales to be removed from his eyes. It is sad that the majority of Americans preferred a leader who promised a better economy than a leader who respects God's commandments. I, my son, and countless others are having dreams of the natural catastrophes before they happen, warnings of God's judgment. These prophecies are all over youtube. What will it take to bring America to its knees? I hope the last vision I had will be as Jonah's, that the sky over my head filled with military missiles does not happen.... please please pray for America to repent. Michael said it best when he quoted Lamentations. "Turn us thou unto you, o Lord, and we shall return to you. Renew for us the days of old." Hashivenu Adonai....

[Jopeli]

That person sleeping in the street is your brother.Your puny charitable contributions are not enough to change his plight in a meaningful way.
If however ,you would allow the government to collect that money from you in the form of taxes ,homelessness would disappear in america.
And because you know this and are fighting against it ,God will bring you into judgement.

[casey]

Jopeli I drive a Budweiser truck in the hood. I make a living parking next to the dumpsters, in the alleys. I make a living amoungst the homeless and interact with them daily. They are offered help everyday a new way of life is constantly offered, but they chose there way of life and in many regards it maybe the purest form of freedom. Many run cons and create an image that would make a passerby think they were crazy but in reality they are very capable. They want no part of the order that consists in your life or mine. Yet there very existence is used by the left to politically extort both money and power. The left could care less about these individuals. City Hall is perfectly aware of each and everyone of these individuals. But somehow the trillions in stimulas already pilfered from the american taxpayer never found its way to these people you speak of

[Pastor emeritus Nathan Bickel]

Pastor Youseff,

Spot on! Well stated! Thank you for calling out Mr. Obama on his perversion of Scripture.

I so appreciated your commentary, that I included a portion quote of yours in my Sunday's online topical [sermon] message: "What Does the Bible Say About the Poor?"

[Jim Rhinard]

Since it requires the Spirit of God to rightly interpret scripture, it is evident that Mr. Obama does not have the Spirit of God to help him. We need to pray for his enlightenment without which it is impossible to rightly govern any nation. If he will not submit to the leading of the Spirit, may God remove him from the highest position of leadership in our country.

[Charles]

I cannot help but thinking of comparing Obama to Adolph H. whom replace God the Father , with Hitler as the father . Please pray that this nation wakes up to the fact that God is not going to be blessing us anymore . Obama is a national disgrace but I guess he is the fruit of the narcisstic tree he has lived in since birth .

[Bd-Michigan]

The only reason that Obama was at the National Prayer Breakfast was for political reasons - to "appear" to be something he is not - to regain the "religious" votes, their alliances - (it we look back at history and the rise of leaders/dictators- this is very similar). As we know, anyone can quote the Bible-even the evil one. Did any of the pastors/clergy that participated in this National Payer Breakfast- correct him on his use of this quote?

Since the GOP seems to be split and people (like me) are concern that there is no clear choice- Obama's next move is to show himself as not all that bad, this can only further the split in our Nation. Split the religious sector - divide and conquer. Obama and his administration are by no means concerned with the poor.

[Richard Anderson]

Jopeli, Jesus said, "give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and give to God what is God's", he didn't say give to Caesar what is God's or, let Caesar do God's work. The church is to take care of the poor, not Caesar (government). Many churches do this, and are excellent stewards, but many churches do not. Let us pray for those churches, because they are missing out on a tremendous blessing.

[Regina]

MAE- there are many problems with your "self-righteous" comments. First, you said, "Ok keep all your wealth and do not share it with the poor see where you will end up in eternity- read Mark 10 v 17-25." Who said they were keeping their wealth for themselves, or are you just implying this? My understanding is that the church is to give to the poor, if the government is doing this, then the church is less likely to do it because they will have less capital to give, and as you mentioned who knows where the money the gov doles out goes? There will be many who make lots of money and do not give to charity, but that is their problem.

Yes, we rejoice in the idea that we will be in eternity, but we mourn for those lost souls that it's too late for. We have been given precious time to share with others the fact that Jesus is Savor and Lord, not just taking pride in our salvation and leaving the rest behind as you implied.

Also, I don't think not giving to the poor is a sin. Feel free to correct me, but you gave Bible verses for other points, where is your point on that? Be careful who is mangling scripture indeed.

[Darlene]

Obama doesn't give very much to charity and I don't think he understands the concept of personal salvation. He thinks its all about the collective.

[DR.EZE]

Since JFK USA has not produced any creditable PRESIDENT;the immoralities of AMERICA have grown
beyond astronomica proportions.USA,BRITAIN,FRANCE,and RUSSIA saw 2million IGBOS sluttered in
Nigeria (1966 to 1970).Currently these same muslim cabals have been killing the same IGBOS all over northern Nigeria since 2010 to date and nothing is being done.Let me tell you this,the blood of the IGBOS
will continue to cry out against USA,BRITAI,FRANCE and RUSSIA.

[Boyd]

Thanks for standing up for truth, not many stand up any more!!

[Bonnie Rosati]

1 John 4:3-4
And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.
4 Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
KJV
Does the President acknowledge that Jesus Christ is the son of God? Put on the breastplate of protection to command men everywhere (includinge prayer breakfasts) to REPENT for the remission of sin.

[Kerry Rogers]

Hi Pastor Youssef, Thank you so much for posting this info. So many Christians are being blinded by Obama, and it still boggles my mind that Christians could have voted for a man that was not even an American to begin with. I don't see any love for God or any real understanding of the word in him.
We are like sheep's being lead to slather . What is it going to take for Christians to wake up and see what's really going on? The Church need to start doing what it's called to do. And Christians need to speak out and call sin, for what it is. Before its to late and we lose what this country was founded on
"God Word".

[Craig CrossWise]

Pastor Youssef,

Thank you for your ministry on the radio and for this blog. God has used you mightily to reach the Muslim world and to edify the body of Christ in the US and abroad. I am fortunate to live in an area which still has some good Christian radio programming and your show is a highlight.

Since you are formerly from a predominately Muslim nation and hence understand Islam, I am prayerful that your words can reach our President and either sow or water the seed leading to his salvation.

May God continue to bless your ministry and keep you both encouraged and emboldened to speak out against various falsehoods in your promotion of Truth.

[Sarah]

The bible clearly advises against self entitlement. 1Thessalonians 4:11

Jopli you think money is "wasted" on our military? The very ones who are sworn to protect this country..including you? The ones who help ensure our liberty???

Secondly no one (especially Dr. Y who i believe you might be referring to)here is calling themselves a Christian because they believe abortion is wrong or homosexuality is wrong. But because they believe and accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savoiur. Yes those things go against Gods commandments but no it doesn't make you a Christian.


Mae I'm saddened that you think scripture has been mangled here , by anyone other than BO. It is not the governments job nor duty to take money from its citizens and give it to those who are more "entitled" in this country a.k.a those who can work but don't want to sacrifice their free ride. It is the duty of CHRISTIANS to give to the poor and needy NOT to the government to disperse. And even then we are called to be good stewards in ALL manners of our resources NOT just where we invest or spend but also where we GIVE that our resources, that they might multiply and serve God's will abundantly.

The next time we are attacked, and our military steps in on our behalf, I would recommend you give thanks to the Lord that our government gave them money to have the weapons necessary to do so!

[ACHRISTIANFORREAL]

I cannot understand why Pastor Youseff is so fixated on Obama when he has persons in his church that are in positions of authority who live a contrary life to what he is supposedly teaching. If Pastor Youseff has all the answers then I would think his own "administration" would live accordingly. Instead, I see on a daily basis persons who are judgmental, racist minded and carry a spirit of condemnation. Get your mind off of President Obama and stick to teaching the Word of God...that is your call...isn't it?

[Pastor Youseff]

Pastor Youseff President Obama was voted into office. I will pray that the Lord's Grace and Mercy will guide you and your congregation.