Day 41 - The Real Saint Patrick
I hope you’re wearing something green because today is St. Patrick’s Day. Long before everyone focused on wearing green, leprechauns, good luck charms and green beer, there really was something spiritually significant to celebrate—a bold believer letting his light shine for Christ in a pagan land.
5th Century Ireland was a pagan land shrouded in spiritual darkness and superstition ruled by warlords and druids. Around 400 A.D., Patrick was abducted and carried away to Ireland as a slave. Amidst the horrors of slavery, Patrick came to know the risen Christ as his Savior. Patrick escaped and returned to his homeland where he studied for the ministry.
One night Patrick had a dream. A man came to him with letters and a voice from the letters said, “Holy boy, please return to us. We need you.â€
Once in Ireland, Patrick faced down the chieftains and their druid priests. Part of their pagan worship celebrating the coming of spring involved lighting a bonfire on the hill of Tara. No other lights were allowed. In defiance, Patrick lit a forbidden fire on top of a high hill. When the pagan king demanded an explanation, Patrick said he was bringing the new light, the light of Christ, the Savior of the World, the light of the World.
During 29 years of ministry, Patrick baptized over 120,000 converts and planted 300 churches. There is even a story that Patrick used the shamrock to teach the doctrine of the Trinity.
On this St. Patrick’s Day, are you willing to let the light of Christ shine forth from you life into the darkness around you?
Today’s Scripture Promise: “…Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)