Hidden in a Corner

Isaiah, the prophet either speaking of himself or of another prophet says that "The Lord has hidden me in a quiver" (Isaiah 49) and the prophet is like an arrow ready to be used by the Lord. Last night I spoke with about 7 pastors gathered around me. There were 14 pastors in all but you can only speak such a number with four or five people engaged in a conversation. We were discussing about doing post graduate study in theology. There are so many courses around that I lost count offered by various Seminaries in Malaysia. I told my fellow pastors to consider carefully when going for a Masters or doctoral study programme in theology. What are the motivations for study?

Is it in pursuit of truth, of biblical truth rather than any esoteric topics? Much study does not mean an increase in the knowledge of the truth. Since "Your Word is truth", any study at a masters and doctoral level should engage in a large part with Scripture. If it is not Scripture, we have to think twice whether it is really worth it? Is it just paper chase or the lure of being called a doctor? I told my fellow pastors that I have basically left the Seminary's scene, not that I will not teach intensive or part time, but I do not forsee taking a teaching role unless it comes with leadership role. So I am hidden in a corner. In a far corner like the place I ministered in last night. It was a treacherous journey in the rain at the side of a mountain. Many parts of the road showed signs of landslide and often only a narrow one way was passable. Having reached the destination, a car stopped at the side of the road leading to the church. He waited for about 2 minutes for the car in front of him to get up and I did the same which meant I waited for my friend's car to get up before driving up. I almost crashed into the side of the steep hill. It was steep and narrow and I had to hold up to the steering tight and manoeuvred up the hill until I reached the church. 

It is in a corner of nowhere, but a PhD with 7 books to his name, had reached there and preached to about 150 villages (120 villagers with 15 pastors and their family members). Most villagers including the leaders had never read a book except the Bible from where they preached and do devotions. My PhD in a way is no use to any of them. I preached from the Bible with power and authority for 45 minutes at least without once looking at my watch. When I stopped, I was wasted because it was past 10 pm and I started the day at 5.30am and did not rest for a moment as I attended the church's AGM before making the trip to this village. And only one church member bought two books. He seemed to know that I had written Departure Points (maybe he followed my Instagram) and after buying my new book, "Anak Panah" he asked, "Pastor you wrote another book, Departure Points?" and I was pleased that he asked and I gave him a good discount on the second book. Lord hide me in a corner, take me where You want me to be so I can be a blessing to many of your children hidden in the corners of this world.