Something to think about…

This Thursday was St. Patrick’s Day. For Christ-followers this day is about more than wearing green, pinching people, leprechaun lore, and celebrating Irish culture. It is a day that we are challenged to love our enemies and live on purpose. It is a day that we are reminded that we are ambassadors of the Kingdom of God in this world bringing His message of salvation to all.

Patrick was born in Britain in 385 AD. His father was a church leader and his grandfather was a priest. At the age of sixteen, Patrick was kidnapped from his home by Irish invaders and taken back to Ireland, where he was sold as a slave to a chieftain. After six years of captivity he heard a voice telling him that he would soon go home, and another voice later that said his ship was ready. Fleeing his master, he travelled to a port, two hundred miles away, where he found a ship and persuaded the captain to take him along with them. He finally made his way back home.

After returning home, Patrick devoted his life to serving God. While studying for the ministry, he experienced a recurring vision of a man carrying letters from Ireland, and Irish voices crying out together: "We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us." In 432

AD, he returned to Ireland, not to seek revenge, but as a missionary. He shared the Good News of God’s love across the land where he was once enslaved.

A whole nation and culture was influenced for generations to come because of one person’s radical obedience to the voice of God. This day may we once again commit to love our enemies and follow the voice of the one who loves us.