A History Lesson about St. Patrick’s Day
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.”- Romans 8:14
Did you know God sent Patrick into slavery to ready Ireland for a coming salvation.? Yes, before all the focus was on shamrocks, lucky charms, leprechauns, good luck wishes, there was truly something to celebrate. It was a day marked for celebration because of a man willing to stand in the gap for Jesus Christ. The March 17 was marked a day to remember Patrick as the one who led the fifth-century Christian mission to Ireland.
The Irish were considered uncivilized barbarians, and many thought they were outside the reach of the gospel. But Patrick knew better. He spent six years among them as a captive, learned their language, and developed a heart for them. Like Joseph sold into slavery to one day save Egypt and his brothers. He eventually escaped from slavery and was a changed man. He was now truly a Christian from the heart. He studied ministry for a long time and then He again returned to his Irish captors with good news of what true freedom was. The British leaders were offended and angered that Patrick was spending priority time with ‘pagans,’ ‘sinners,’ and ‘barbarians. But Patrick knew his approach had good precedent. The one who saved him while a nominal Christian and an Irish captive was once called a “friend of tax collectors and sinners,” and said, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” -Mark 2:17 Yes, the stakes were high, but he knew it was worth the risk. He lived His life as Jesus did. Patrick took the gospel to the uncouth, and ventured all for the unreached Irish. He gave nearly three decades to the nation-transforming the evangelization of Ireland.
This is Patrick's poem of faith and trust in God it’s called,
"Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger."
So it is on this day that I choose to remember a man who chose to stand and bring the gospel to many in the presence of his enemies just as Jesus did. What a wonderful place this would be if we all stood and shared the gospel with many regardless of the risks.
Will you let the Spirit of God lead you into a journey that will leave a memorable mark for our Lord and Savior.? God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus to do so.