A large part of Patrick’s support came from his own money, as he tells us in th excerpt from pages 55 and 56 of Patrick: A Devotional History:
“The total I have spent
to be allowed to preach wherever I went
is very great indeed: I’d say no less
than what a man would have to pay to bless
some fifteen slaves with freedom. This was done
so that the Kingdom work we had begun
among you might continue. I have no
regret in this, and still am doing so
unto this day. I still will spend that I
may do this work until the day I die.
That men may know the Savior Who controls
the world, I’ll spend myself to save their souls.
“In this section we find Patrick perhaps seeking to fend off what might have been another criticism, that he was only serving in Ireland for the money. As we have seen, he made it clear that he would not accept any personal gifts. He further insisted that ‘not so much as half/a penny crossed my palms’ in doing the work to which God had called him. He ministered ‘for free’ in every situation, asking no one for money but only for opportunities to serve.
“‘In fact’, he continued, he spent his own money in doing the work, giving gifts to local chieftains for the right to preach and teach among their people, paying stipends to those who joined with him in ministry, and covering the expenses of his ministry with his own funds—perhaps an inheritance or money he earned doing some manual labor. At one point he was robbed even of what little money he had and taken captive, to be sold again as a slave, only to be freed through the efforts of friends after two weeks.
“Patrick reckoned that the total of his own money he had spent on his work ‘is very great indeed’, as much as would be required to purchase the freedom of fifteen slaves. And he begrudged none of this. He knew when he came to Ireland that he was facing a difficult task and that he would always have a meager living at best. But, like Paul, he was willing to be spent and to spend whatever he had to reach souls for Jesus Christ. “
For reflection or discussion
1. What kind of sacrifices does the Lord require of us in doing the work He has appointed for us?
2. Patrick gave gladly because giving gladly indicates we are entering the joy of the Lord. How have you experienced this?
We are all called to make sacrifices in serving the Lord. Sacrifices of time, energy, and resources, to be sure, but more importantly, glad sacrifices of praise for the privilege of fulfilling the Lord’s calling. Patrick, like Paul, was resolved to spend and be spent for the souls of the Irish. Whose soul will you refresh today? Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together and rejoice in the Lord for all His blessings and goodness. 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
