...he draws the heavenly wine in heavenly vessels,/and serves God's people with drink from a spiritual goblet.

  - Sechnall, Audite Omnes Amantes (Irish, 5th century)

What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD...

  - Psalm 116.12-14

Sechnall used several images of feeding and feasting to describe Patrick's ministry among the Irish. In each Patrick is presented as a lavish and gracious provider for the spiritual needs of God's people.

This image from the psalms is one of my favorites in describing the kind of relationship we should seek to have with the salvation which is ours in Christ: lifting up the cup of salvation. What does this suggest?

First, lifting up the cup as a toast, to honor the Author and Protector of our salvation. Daily worship, praise, and thanksgiving should characterize our walk with the Lord.

Second, a glass hoisted invites others to join in as well. We seek to increase the praise and honor of the Lord by inviting others to join us in this great salvation. We plead with the lost and we encourage the saved to make honoring King Jesus the focal point of their lives.

Finally, becoming drunk on saving grace - drinking the cup of salvation entirely, so that we know, day by day, more of the intoxicating power of God's Spirit making us willing and able to do what pleases our King.

This is what Patrick strove to realize in his life and his ministry. Are we raising the cup of salvation to the Lord, to our neighbors, and for ourselves? Are we drinking up all that we can of Jesus and swallowing down every sweet draught of His grace and truth?

As you go forth today to walk with and serve the Lord, lift up the cup of salvation, remember Patrick, and live like one who is drunk on the promises and blessings of our King.

Today at The Fellowship of Ailbe

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