WHO IS PATRICK

 

Who is Patrick?

Robert Dean Steel

Cornerstone Community Church

 

     I thought today that I would give you a little diversion from the events of recent days. It is okay from time to time to have a little escape and so this article is that.  Just recently we celebrated St. Patrick’s day.  People around the world, wear green, have parades except for this year and get together and wish each other well and talk about Shamrocks and four leaf clovers.  The problem is not very many people know very much about Patrick.  There are many myths about him.  He drove all the snakes out of Ireland and he loved the color green.  The truth is far from the myth.

     Patrick first of all was not Irish, but English.  He had been brought to Ireland as a young man during a raid by Irish raiders.  He spent seven years on the island as a slave.  He was able to escape slavery and walked some 200 miles at night to board a ship back to England.  During his time in Ireland, Patrick who had been a nominal Christian, rededicated his life back to Christ. 

     When Patrick returned to England he chose to be a clergyman.  He studied and became an ordained priest.  Then something extraordinary happened.  One night he had a dream where he saw an Irishman bring him a satchel of letters.  As he read each one of them they all contained the same message to come and help them.  As first Patrick wrestled with the dream but he then yielded to the call to Ireland.  He returned to Ireland with a small party of fellow priests and began his evangelistic work.

     The first obstacle for Patrick was the druid religion which had a strong control of the island.  The druids controlled the island through fear and darkness.  Patrick offered light and love which drew many people to Christ.  This included over time the king’s wife.  Through her influence many nobles left the darkness of paganism to the glorious light of Jesus Christ.

      Patrick’s compassion and love for those who once enslaved him was amazing.  Many described him as a walking example of Christ.   His fierce determination and courage in the face of overwhelming opposition was the biggest factor.  The forces of darkness were not going to give up Ireland without a fight.  There were many attempts on his life but God’s protection was at times miraculous. 

     The results of Patrick’s more than 30 years in Ireland were more than 5000 clergyman had been ordained.  More than 80,000 people were baptized.  For hundreds of years Ireland was the center of education, religious study and theological training in Europe.  Some have said that Patrick saved Christianity in that part of the world. 

     Some say we need another Patrick and I would not disagree.  So here’s the challenge today.  Go into your world and be a Patrick.  When I talk about your world, I mean your family, friends, co-workers and people that you meet and know.  Walk in love, compassion, courage and determination.  Bring Christ to your family and friends by what you say and how you lived.  Our world today is walking in fear and panic.  They need an example of faith and courage.  You can be that example and like Patrick you can make a difference in your world.