2 Timothy 1:7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
Today is St. Patrick’s Day, so we’re supposed to wear green, put on a shamrock, and go around saying, “Erin Go Bragh! (Ireland forever)” in our best Irish accent. All over Ireland and in different cities around the world, people will be singing in the streets, drinking green beer, and celebrating their Irish connections. My granny was Irish, so I guess I can join in the fun at any time.
Originally, this day was a church holy day, set aside to commemorate the ministry and mission of Saint Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland. He lived in the 5th century AD. As a boy, he was kidnapped by raiders and sold into slavery to an Irish chieftain. Patrick spent six years of his young life herding sheep and learning the Celtic language. He escaped from captivity and when he returned home, he decided to commit his life to God.
When Patrick was ordained, he decided to go back to Ireland as a missionary. He wanted to bring the light of Christ into the hearts of the same people who had kidnapped and enslaved him. During his ministry he endured many hardships and fierce opposition. Eventually, his persistence paid off and Ireland became a Christian country before he died on 17 March, 493AD.
Patrick was a powerful missionary whose zeal for Christ defeated the superstitious paganism which had enslaved the hearts, minds, and spirits of the Irish for hundreds of years. His ministry was so effective that the next generations of Christians under his leadership crossed the Irish Sea and brought the gospel to another pagan country: Scotland.
Perhaps in the midst of our revelry today, we should also take up the cause that Patrick espoused. If we are given the opportunity to share our faith with someone else at work, school, in our neighborhood, coffee shop or even on the internet, then let’s pray that we do it boldly and powerfully, effectively and wisely, lovingly and faithfully. Who knows, perhaps what we say about our Christian faith to someone else today may have an even greater effect to someone else in the future.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You have blessed us with a Spirit of power, love, and self-discipline to overcome our weaknesses, timidity, and faithlessness. On this day of celebration, help us to be captivated by the spirit of St. Patrick, so that we may share the glory of the Gospel with someone else. Grant us the courage to express our faith clearly, candidly, and compassionately. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.
John Stuart is currently the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to comment or ask questions of today’s message, please send him an email to pastor@erinpresbyterian.org.
Today’s image is one of John’s Irish drawings. It depicts the beautiful shoreline of Keem Bay in Ireland. If you would like to view a larger version of the picture, please visit the following link:
John has a limited number of 8x10 prints available of this beautiful drawing. If you would like one, just contact him by email for information.
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