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"For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust."
(Psalm 103:11-14)
This week we are looking at a very difficult subject: What happens when a pastor or spiritual leader has a moral failure? When these saints fall, it creates much havoc and destruction for many people. One of the first things to happen is that the watching world scorns and ridicules the Church. Families are shattered, trust is broken, and many who followed the fallen leader do not understand and become angry and disillusioned.
Can God forgive the man or woman entrusted with such a high calling when they sin in an egregious manner?
Absolutely, He will forgive! That is what God does. He forgives and forgets. However, His forgiveness does not mean we do not have to suffer the consequences of our actions. There will especially be terrible consequences if you commit adultery or other sexual sin. But God will forgive you when you repent and ask Him for His grace. Tim Hawks is a pastor friend of mine for whom I have so much respect. He gave me the name of a ministry that specializes in helping those who have gone down this path. It is called Affair Recovery. Their website reads: "Based in Austin, Texas, Affair Recovery is the first company to offer anonymous online group support worldwide for those impacted by infidelity."
The next restoration after being restored to God is for those who have committed adultery to be reconciled, if possible, with their spouses and loved ones. I have seen this happen. Recently, a lady in our church told me that she and her husband have walked down this path. She forgave him, but it was a very painful experience. But the good news is, they are still together, and their marriage is strong today.
Hugh Freeze was unfaithful to his wife while he was the head football coach at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). It cost him his job and his Christian reputation. But the Lord, his wife, and his daughters forgave him, and he has been restored to his family. He has been given another chance to coach again, and he is most grateful. As the head football coach at Auburn University, he uses his platform to point people to Jesus. One of our college students at our church attends Auburn and told me that she attends the same church as Hugh Freeze. He sits in the same seat every Sunday at 8:30AM, even when returning late the night before from away games.
Thank the Lord that He forgives. Will God restore a fallen saint to ministry? That is the question we will explore in tomorrow's devotion.
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