Dare 2 Share - Just who did this guy think he was? He walked right up to people from a different background and culture and told them straight up that they were going to hell…
Not only that, he also condemned their traditions which had been practiced for thousands of years. Basically, he set out on a mission to turn a society upside down- even if it cost him his very life.
Who was this politically incorrect culture bashing Jesus freak?
None other than the guy we use as an excuse to wear green and party on: Patricus (otherwise known as St. Patrick).
I know you’ve probably heard all the stories about snake chasing and shamrock picking- but please allow me to give you the facts behind the fictitious fantasy formation.
Some 1500 years ago there was a rich, spoiled British teenager named Patricus who was probably out partying one night when a band of Irish pirates kidnapped him from his beloved home. They then sold him into slavery, which I imagine was not his first career choice while he was growing up.
He eventually escaped and was able to return home…end of story? No, actually just the beginning- because (amazingly enough) Patricus became convinced that he was handpicked by God to bring the entire country of Ireland to a saving knowledge of Christ.
Wait a sec…isn’t this the same country that was home to his abductors? Who in his right mind would feel a missionary calling to a place that made him a slave?
Perhaps God uses other things besides our ‘right mind’ to guide and direct us in His ways and purposes. Patrick returned to Ireland, and accomplished one of the greatest missionary feats of all time with some of the most godless people who have ever lived. Consider these facts:
He was the first missionary to take the gospel literally “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8). No one previous to Patrick had gone so far with the message of Christ.
He faced a culture where human sacrifice, slavery, and barbaric warfare were everyday practices. Yet by the end of his life, nearly all of these nasty habits were gone from Ireland.
He essentially brought about the conversion of a nation, who then in turn helped to save Western civilization during the dark ages.
There are many more stories about Patrick and his legacy which are far more impressive than the made up fantasies about him- but I think it’s time to make a wee little point or two.
First- Patrick was a person just like you and me in every respect except for one: obedience. Oh I know we would like to believe we are completely sold out to Jesus - but let’s be honest- Patrick puts us to shame. It would be impressive enough to forgive the people who kidnapped you, but he took it a step further and risked his life to share the gospel with them! Most of us have a hard time forgiving people who merely lie to us or betray our confidence, and we will rarely even cross the street to witness to people. Isn’t it about time we started taking this whole Christianity thing as serious as he did? Is God calling you to do something? Are you listening? Really listening?
Second- Patrick saw every human being as equally valuable and precious to God. The Christian missionaries before him most likely didn’t get the gospel to Ireland because they viewed them as ‘sub-human’, and therefore not deserving of the message of the cross. Are there people in your life that you don’t think deserve to hear about Jesus because they are different than you? Satan gains a great victory when he gets Christians to let their pride get in the way of God’s compassion.
March 17th is St. Patrick’s day- which was not the date of his birth. That day recognizes the anniversary of his death, and celebrates the unbelievable legacy he left. My suggestion would be to take part of that day and honor his memory. How? For one, try thinking about the specific things in your life that should change so that you can be more radical and passionate about your Christianity. What would the world be like if Patrick had said ‘no’ to God? What will the world be like tomorrow if you say ‘no’ to God today? Just who do you think you are?
Questions:
1) What is one way your Christian life could be more committed and passionate?
2) What perspective on life did St. Patrick have that you don’t?
3) Do you truly believe you could be used by God to change a nation? Why or why not?
Memory Verse:
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. (Matthew 28:19-20)
