[9] “And the king was sorry: nevertheless for the oath's sake, and them which sat with him at meat, he commanded it to be given her. [10] And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison. [13] When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.” — Matthew 14:9 - 10, 13 KJV
Every visionary leader has woes he goes through without his followers knowing. Some famous pastors of today were disregarded, disrespected and poor yesterday. But nobody knew.
The truth of the matter is that people don’t see a rising leader, so when he gets to the top, some think it’s by luck or chance. Let me tell you that in Christ, that philosophy doesn’t work. Even Jesus couldn’t skip it. When He was twelve, we heard a little about him in the temple. But his life story for eighteen years was so ordinary that nobody recognised it to record something about him. It’s called privacy in training.
One time, Jesus heard that John the Baptist got beheaded in prison. He couldn’t say anything but depart through a ship to a solitary place. It was a private time for mourning the death of His beloved cousin. But people were looking for him so much that they followed him on foot out of the cities.
Even though Jesus had compassion on them, healed the sick and fed them (over five thousand people), His grief was still inside there. He was in pain, yet ministering. That’s the weight of ministry.
Many people think pastors aren’t workers, so they don’t deserve support. Also, others presume servants of God are immune to life issues, so they are always available for others. That’s wrong, and neither of them is true. Ministry is work, and preachers do face life issues. I know some people still preach when there’s no food on their table for days. But if they don’t tell you, you’ll think everything is okay.
Just because a man of God continues to minister to thousands doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve support and some privacy. Some issues are too sorrowful to tell the whole public, yet because of the ministry, he overlooks them and keeps preaching.
While it’s good to learn how to overcome grief and trust God for provision, it’s highly recommended to give your spiritual leader some privacy. I’m not speaking about the times he will spend alone with God. I’m talking about reducing your calls, messages and consultations, especially at night, to get him. He’s human. He deserves to rest and some privacy. People followed Jesus for diverse and selfish reasons, but that doesn’t mean we should treat God’s servants this way.
Churches, give your pastors some time of rest. Ministers, serving God shouldn’t make you extreme workaholics. Sacrifice for the Lord’s sake, but be conscious of securing your intimate fellowship with God. Shalom.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer
Father, I come before you as a servant. Help me to pray for the spiritual leaders you’ve blessed my life with and to support them with what I have. Oh God, help me to honour Your servants by giving them more privacy with their lives and families. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Devotional Code: KGD – 2023 – 005
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