MONDAY March 17, 2025

St. Patrick’s Day

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit….”
Matthew 28:19

Today is St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick was born into a Christian family, but he had no real interest in the church. “He did not, indeed, know the true God.” As a boy, he was captured by slave traders and taken to Ireland. The people there were in deep, spiritual darkness. The small island was filled with magicians and pagan practices. In his misery, Patrick believed God was chastening him for his unbelief. He prayed day and night for forgiveness. Through his trials and sufferings, Patrick endured and came to know Christ as his personal Lord and Savior.

Finally, after six years working as a shepherd, Patrick was able to escape by a ship to his homeland––England. Upon arrival, he began to study for the ministry. In a vision, God called Patrick to return to Ireland and to preach the Gospel to the very people who had enslaved him. As he traveled across the Irish countryside, he brought the Gospel of peace to the hostile, pagan Celts. It is believed that Patrick used the shamrock plant to explain the Trinity to them. While ministering among the people, Patrick wrote a poem of faith and trust in God, named the “Breastplate:”

Christ be within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ inquired, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

Into the spiritual darkness of Ireland, Patrick brought them the Light of Christ. A good foundation was laid, and Christianity expanded over the land. In obedience to the call to go to Ireland, God blessed Patrick. It has been said that 120,000 Irishmen were saved and baptized into the Christian faith. He planted 300 churches, and his ministry lasted 29 years. As Patrick faithfully preached the Gospel, a fire of revival was lit among the people in Ireland.

Any man touched by Jesus Christ is good publicity for the gospel.
~Vance Havner~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!