Jesus commanded all His disciples to make disciples as we are going. Patrick took Jesus literally. Wherever Patrick went in Ireland, whomever he met or talked with, Patrick was working to make disciples. Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History is found on pages 48 and 49:
“Patrick’s was not a complicated ministry. He simply roamed about to various places in Ireland looking for ways to make inroads for the Gospel. Sometimes he purchased the freedom of those who were enslaved. Other times he taught people to read or did some other good works to help them. But all the time he kept the Good News of Jesus in the mix, making the most of every opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and call people to repentance and faith. Patrick believed he had an ‘obligation from the Lord/to diligently fish for men.’ He went on to say
“that all who wish to be
His followers are obliged to cast their nets
to catch a multitude of fish and get
a mighty gathering for the Lord.
“And for this to happen there ‘should be sufficient clergy everywhere’ to teach and preach and to bring people into the fold of Christ. Patrick believed the Great Commission, but he also knew that fulfilling that mandate was not his responsibility alone. So he incorporated church planting and pastoral training into his itinerating ministry. He rejoiced in the Lord, he wrote,
“Who rescued them according to His Word
of promise. Irish sons and daughters, yes,
and even royal children—thousands bless
the Name of Jesus. “And he wanted his readers to understand that it was only the faithfulness of God, at work within and through him, that made any of this possible.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Patrick made disciples as he was going about in Ireland day by day. What does it mean for us to make disciples “as we are going”?
2. How would you define what it means to be a disciple of Jesus?
Patrick knew it would not be enough for him to walk around Ireland being a decent person. He also knew it would not be enough just to preach the Gospel to large crowds. His calling—and ours—was to make disciples, and he did so wherever he went, whomever he was with, whatever he was doing. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to talk about your work of making disciples. You can download a free PDF copy of our 30-day devotional, Patrick: A Devotional History, by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
