The bishops in Britain wanted Patrick to come home. But they had not sent him to Ireland. Indeed, the British clergy tried to discourage him from going in the first place. Patrick knew his calling. Do we? Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History is from pages 28 and 29:
“God, Patrick continued, abased him by bringing him as a slave to Ireland; now, however, He ‘lifted’ him to a high place in ministry. So he would write his Confession less to justify himself and his ministry and more to celebrate the goodness and faithfulness of God. He hoped his report would suffice to meet the demands being laid on him by British bishops [he wrote]:
“So be astonished, all of you, the small
and great alike, who fear the Lord. And you,
most reverend doctors, listen closely to
my words, and pay attention. Who raised me—
yes, stupid me—unto this ministry,
from out of those who seemed to be so wise
and skilled in rhetoric and law? Whose eyes
with favor looked on me and burdened and
prepared me for my mission to this land,
and brought me here to be of service to
this people, in humility and truth?
“In other words, ‘Bishops, if you have a problem with me, take it up with God. He humbled me, saved me, kept me, called me, sent me, and used me so that “many thousands” of Irish men and women have come to know the Lord and are worshiping and serving Him.’
“Patrick’s burden was to proclaim the Name of Jesus. His claim was that God honored his work and glorified Himself in it.”
For reflection or discussion
1. In what ways are you involved in proclaiming the Name of Jesus? How might you improve in this?
2. Our Christian brethren need to hear the Name of Jesus every day. Whom will you encourage today to turn their eyes upon Jesus?
The key to a lively and fruitful Christian life is to keep our eyes on Jesus. That’s what Patrick did, so much so that he would not allow himself to be distracted from the work Jesus led him to every day. Isn’t this the way we should live? Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to encourage one another in proclaiming the Name of Jesus. Your copy of our 30-day devotional, Patrick: A Devotional History is waiting for you at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
