Those who followed Christ in previous generations can encourage and guide us as we work out our salvation. We hope that our overview of Patrick and his work will encourage you to want to know more about the history of God’s people. Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History is found on pages 16 and 17:
“The grace of God came to us from those who knew Him before us, and it will spread from us to others who, in turn, will lead others to the knowledge of the Lord.
“Which is why we do well to remember and appreciate what God has done throughout the course of history to bring the Gospel to successive generations of believers and to advance His Kingdom like a growing stone. We have much to learn from Christian leaders of the past. We have our own field to sow, cultivate, and harvest, and the more we can learn from the insights and examples of our forebears in the faith, the more we may expect God to work in and through us for His glory.
“Every day, as we venture out into our Personal Mission Field, we either water seed we or others have previously sown, fertilize and nurture growing plants, pull out weeds and other harmful elements, or reap some fruit of our endeavors.
“Cultivate, sow, cultivate, reap. Lay a foundation and build on it. As Patrick worked his calling in Ireland so we must work ours, building on what God has already done in the lives of those to whom He sends us so that, as He is pleased, all may come to know Him, know Him better, or, at least, know of His love for them.
“Give thanks to God for those who have gone before us in the faith. And pray that those who come after us will build on the work we have done to make disciples, build the Church, further the Kingdom, and glorify God in everything we do.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Which great saints from the past have influenced your life in the Lord? How?
2. What could you begin to do that might enable you to gain more wisdom from saints of the past?
Those who have gone before us in the faith have left a treasure trove of legacies to enrich our lives in the Lord. Their work, writings, achievements, and example can inspire and guide us in thinking about how the Lord might use us to further His Kingdom and glory. Share today’s podcast with a friend, the get together to discuss what you’re learning. Go to The Ailbe Bookstore and download the free PDF of Patrick: A Devotional History, and learn more about this great saint.
T. M. Moore
