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“A Doctorate in the Desert”

Thoughts for Today:

The Greek word translated "abnormally born" is EKTROMA; and this is the only time it is used in Scripture. According to Strong's Concordance it means "a miscarriage or untimely birth". Paul was basically saying that in the same way it would be unusual for a miscarried child to live, it was abnormal for him to be an apostle. In our passage today, Paul says, "I might have become a believer later in life, but that doesn't mean I haven't also seen Jesus" (see Acts 9:3-6).

It was during the time Paul spent in the Arabian desert the Lord taught him how Old Testament pictures were to be translated into New Testament principles. And it was also there he learned every Word of Scripture was about Jesus. As a result, generations of believers have been blessed. So how long did it take for Paul to be readied by the Lord for his ministry? It took three years. (Galatians 1:13-18: "For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, who set me apart from my mother's womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, my immediate response was not to consult any human being. I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus. Then after three years...")

Questions to Ponder:

Today, in religious circles it is impressive to have a Doctorate of Divinity. After three years in the desert, Paul had a D.D. as well -- in his case, a Doctorate of the Desert. He was in good company: Moses, John the Baptist, and Jesus all spent time in the desert. Are you also experiencing a difficult time in your life? Does refreshment, nourishment or relief seem all too scarce? Don't complain or whine; worship the Lord and draw close to Him. Be still and you will see Him in ways you never would -- if you had been anywhere else. Get your own Doctorate in the Desert!

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.