The steady stream of pastors and leaders leaving the ministry due to sexual or financial scandal has not changed in decades. What is most alarming, in recent days, however, is the rash of lead pastors committing suicide.
Judas committed suicide. Jesus Himself knew that temptation as well: “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death,” he said (Matt. 26:38).
I believe most Christian point leaders who carry the weight of a ministry or church know the struggle of wanting to die. I sure do and remember times, in my 26 years as Senior Pastor of New Life, that I was not sure I wanted to (or could) drink the “cup” that was before me.
Jesus’ comments to Peter teaches us a few important truths:
- Satan targets lead pastors with a particular rage and fury.
- Jesus allows extreme testing to put things to death in us that can we cannot kill in ourselves.
- Jesus purpose through such intense pressure is so we effectively lead others.
- Jesus’ intercession for us (Rom. 8:34), along with the prayers of others, is the only way we can recover from falls and remain faithful.
