The obscured life of St. Patrick

One of the things my father loved to do (which has subsequently been passed down to me) is to learn about the origin of holidays.  It is fascinating to me how oftentimes the original intent of these holidays has evolved into something completely different.  This is particularly true when it comes to today’s holiday, St. Patrick’s Day.  Just who is this Saint Patrick?  What is his story?  And why is there a day set apart to celebrate him?

“Patrick, whom almost everyone calls “Saint Patrick,” although he was never canonized by the Catholic Church, was born to a wealthy family in AD 387 in Kilpatrick, Scotland.  His real name was Maewyn Succat.  It was his extensive missionary work in Ireland for which Patrick is famous.  During his thirty years of work there, he supposedly converted over 135,000 people, established 300 churches, and consecrated 350 bishops.  Patrick died on March 17, 461.  For over a millennium, the Irish have celebrated St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.

History records that Saint Patrick, at age sixteen, was captured by Irish raiders and spent several years as a slave in Ireland.  It was during this time that he learned the various rituals, customs, and language of Druids, and it was these people that he eventually evangelized.  Patrick apparently had a dream in which God spoke to him, saying, “Your ship is ready.”  Patrick was then able to escape Ireland by ship.  Shortly thereafter, he experienced another dream in which he received a letter that was labeled the “voice of the Irish.”  When he opened it, he heard the voices of all those whom he had met in Ireland begging him to return.”  (Source: https://www.gotquestions.org/St-Patricks-Day.html)

It is challenging to differentiate what is historical and what is a myth that has developed over the centuries regarding Patrick.  For example, as one source puts it: “A later legend would have it that Patrick rid all of Ireland of snakes.  Snakes were not native to Ireland at the time.  Instead, Patrick rid Ireland of all marauding ways and a cultural and civil barbarianism by bringing…a whole new ethic.”  Furthermore, this author writes, “Some biographers claim definitively that Patrick used the shamrock as an object lesson to teach pagans about the Trinity…there is no evidence, however, for such a claim” (Source: https://www.ligonier.org/blog/who-was-saint-patrick-and-should-christians-celebrate-st-patricks-day/).

Recently, I saw a Nike shirt that said “Be brave, be bold, be you.”  The message of that shirt captures Patrick’s character.  Patrick was brave.  One source states, “Patrick had no less of a goal than seeing pagan Ireland converted.  These efforts did not set well with…the pagan king of…Ireland.  Patrick faced danger and even threats on his life.  He took to carrying a dagger.  Yet, despite these setbacks, Patrick persisted” (from the same Ligonier article again).  That’s bravery right there!

Patrick was also bold.  Once again, that got questions.org article states, “During his thirty years of work there, he supposedly converted over 135,000 people, established 300 churches, and consecrated 350 bishops.”  God called Patrick to a hard task: share the love of Jesus to the very people who captured him and forced to spend several years of his life as a slave.  He could have said no.  But he demonstrated a brave, bold obedience to God; I want to be like that.  That’s what I celebrate this day.  I celebrate the contributions to the Kingdom of God made by Saint Patrick.   

Kevin

"God is in the filling business"

There is an amazing verse in Matthew 5.  Jesus, in a section that is referred to as the Sermon on the Mount, said these profound words: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled (verse 6).”  From the outset, let me state that I could say so much more about this verse.  To fully unpack it would probably take 4 or 5 blogs.  I do hope that what I have for you today will impact you as deeply as it has me.

First of all, notice that Jesus speaks of two powerful motivators: hunger and thirst.  I know very well what it is to be hungry and thirsty.  They are desperate longings.  Nothing else matters until the thirst and hunger is quenched.  God made us that way, and this is true not only physically but also spiritually.

I read a sermon on this text from John Piper (https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/blessed-are-those-who-hunger-and-thirst-for-righteousness) ); at one point, he said,

“God has put eternity in our hearts and we have an inconsolable longing…many of you here this morning are like this.  Your soul is hungry and your heart is thirsty.  You feel an insatiable longing for something.  You are restless.  Almost everywhere you turn, the grass is greener than where you stand.  And the great tragedy for some of you is that even though this is the Spirit of God beckoning you to himself, you turn away again and again to… temporary pleasures…And everything turns to ashes in your hands.  The thrill of lust leaves the sediment of guilt and loneliness.  The drugs and alcohol can’t keep you from waking up in the real world again and again with your messed-up relationships.”

 

There is a haunting line in the song Blessings by Laura Story: “What if my greatest disappointments or the aching of this life is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy?”  One author puts it this way: “God is in the filling business.  In fact, the word “fill” means to be satisfied in the sense of being stuffed after a sumptuous meal.  If you are eating the junk food of the self-centered life, you’ll never be satisfied.” (source: https://newsok.com/article/3857185)  This would be a very good place for an “amen”.  Or as Oswald Chambers said (from the same just cited article): “There is only One Being who can satisfy the aching abyss of the human heart and that is the Lord Jesus Christ.”

Kevin 

"Today is a gift, that's why it's called the present"

Somebody once wrote, “Yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; today is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.”  I spent too much time researching where this quote originated, and I was unable to find a definitive answer.  But the point of the quote still remains.  The Bible says, “You don’t know what will happen tomorrow.  For what is your life?  It is a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”  There are examples of this fact everywhere.  As I was putting all this together, I heard the news that actor Luke Perry passed away as a result of a massive stroke, he was 52 (https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/04/us/luke-perry-dies/index.html).

I’ve been watching the very first season of the show Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (from the year 1993).  It is bittersweet to watch because some actors from that season have since passed on.  For example, Thuy Trang, the original Yellow Ranger, passed away back in 2001 from a car crash, at the young age of 27 (that information can be found here).  Robert Manahan, the man who voiced Zordon for 5 years passed away in the year 2000; he was only 43 (Robert Manahan/Zordon info).  I could go on, but I’m going to stop there.  As I said, it's everywhere, and it can quickly exhaust you emotionally.

Tim Tebow in his newest book This is the Day writes, “Life is a gift.  Each day is precious – and at times fleeting.  Pain and tragedy are constants in our time on earth…Things happen that we do not understand…This is sad and yet very real.  We can’t control the path or the magnitude of whatever the storms or disasters come our way.  We can’t anticipate our losses.  And we can’t hold on to the promise of tomorrow.  So what’s something we can do?  We can this day celebrate the ones we love.  We can create special moments with them.  We can say “I love you.””

My mother, Rose Mary, is going to celebrate a birthday this week.  While these milestone events are still bittersweet (you just don’t get over the loss of the love of your life in 3 and a half years), they are to be celebrated.  I want to publicly inscribe that I celebrate my mom.  I say what I’ve previously stated in this blog: I love my mom, and I’m proud of her.  I rejoice how God has used the fire of loss and suffering to hone her into a more faithful follower of Jesus.  It’s not easy to walk the road of suffering.  It’s not easy to walk through the valley of the shadow of death.  I feel she deserves to be applauded, esteemed, and celebrated.

Kevin

The bittersweet passing of a faithful servant

A few days ago, I heard the news that Charlie VanderMeer (better known to many as “Uncle Charlie”) passed away at the age of 84.  Keys for Kids Ministries gave this press release: “It is with deep sadness, but great hopefulness, that Keys for Kids Ministries…announces the passing of Charlie VanderMeer (a.k.a. Uncle Charlie).  He passed away quietly at his home on Friday, February 22, 2019, following a recent fall” (cbn.com/cbnnews/uncle-charlie-dead-at-84).  

I confess that, upon hearing this news, I was hit hard emotionally.  It felt like I had lost a kind uncle.  I instantly recalled, with fondness, all the time I spent with him via his radio ministry as “Uncle Charlie”.  Time and time again, he shared the truth of the Word of God with faithfulness.  His influence made a profound impact on me.

The link went on to state Charlie’s amazing last words.  In his final breaths on Earth, he said, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.  I trust Him today just like I did when I was 6 years old.  Knowing Jesus as your personal Savior is the most important thing.”  I’m reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4; they seem very fitting for Uncle Charlie as well.  He fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.  There is now laid up for him a crown of righteousness, which the Lord will give to him.

I want to express my condolences to his family.  Evidently, he is survived by his wife Bette, 3 daughters, and a son.  I know the grief, heartache, and pain they are feeling.  But I also know the Bible states that we can actually grieve with hope (1 Thessalonians 4); because of Charlie’s relationship with Jesus, to be absent from the body is to actually be present with the Lord (2 Corinthians 5).  Everyone who was touched by Charlie’s life - and I’m certainly on that list - grieve that is he is gone, but also rejoice that he is with the Lord in Heaven!  Furthermore, I truly believe that he heard these marvelous words of commendation: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:21).

Kevin

One year anniversary

It seems unbelievable to me that yesterday, February the 21st, marked the one year anniversary of Billy Graham’s passing.  I looked back at what I said when I reacted to this news on this blog.  Among other things, I wrote, “I was overcome with tears when I heard the news because I’m so grateful for this man.  I am who I am today because he shared the truth of the gospel – God’s good news – with me.  His influence is a part of my spiritual heritage.  Millions of other people can say the same thing.”

In honor of Dr. Graham, I spent some time listening to some of his words on you tube.  I came across a sermon he preached back in 1983 on the power of the blood of Christ.  He spoke with his usual boldness, clarity, and power that day.  There is so much relevant material I wish I could quote in that message, but I was particularly impacted when he said these words:

"There’s another word associated with the blood and that’s justification… The dictionary defines justification, ‘to be free from blame; to be proven to be innocent.’  We cannot do it ourselves.  It’s impossible.  You can work all your life and do good works, and pay money to the church, but that won’t justify you.  The only thing that will justify you...is the blood of Jesus Christ."

Dr. Graham continued, "‘Being justified freely by His grace’ [Romans 3:24]; notice [the words] ‘His grace.’  Grace is unmerited favor, something I don’t deserve.  I don’t deserve my sins forgiven.  I don’t deserve to go to Heaven.  I’ll be honest with you: I don’t deserve it…but I receive forgiveness, and justification, and my name written in the Book of Life.  I’m going to receive Heaven forever, because the blood was shed."  (Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=cyZhxf94dCc)  An amen belongs here!  I feel the same way for myself and my own entrance to Heaven one day.

Let me conclude with this.  Back in 2002, Pastor Rick Ferguson had his surprise departure to Heaven, at the age of 46.  At his Memorial service, someone mentioned William Carey, the man known as the father of modern missions.  This person told the story of how when Carey was on his deathbed, he said to a friend, “Speak less of Dr. Carey, speak more of Dr. Carey’s Savior.”  He said this is the sentiment that captures what Pastor Rick would want people to say about him.  I agree.  And it certainly captures what I think Billy Graham would want people to say of him.  We should speak more of Billy Graham’s Savior, Jesus Christ.

Kevin

"For God so loved the world"

I miss my father.  There’s an opening sentence you never expected to read in a Valentine’s Day blog!  But I do miss him.  I miss his leadership, support, and humor.  I miss watching Denver Broncos games with him.  Yet he is no longer with us.  He passed away unexpectedly three and a half years ago; although I must admit sometimes it feels like it’s been three and a half months, not years.

My dad knows what it’s like to lose a father to the icy grip of death, just as I do.  In 2008, his dad – my grandpa – Cecil Bauer, passed away at the age of 79.  I know the tears my dad cried about this fact.  In a poignant composition that I recently came across, Dad wrote some words that I wanted to share with you today.  I’m not going to quote the whole thing, of course, but a portion of it is some noteworthy memories he had of spending time with his father.  Then at one point, he stated this:

“I love my dad.  I know that he’s waiting in Heaven for me.  He left a clear testimony with me that he was ready to meet God 8 months before he left Planet Earth.  Was he a perfect man?  No, what man is?  He, like all of humanity, was in need of a pardon.  That pardon was given when Christ died on the cross.  That pardon he accepted as a free gift from Christ, and entered God’s Heaven when he died.  He realized that he was bankrupt before God.  He could not get into Heaven without accepting that pardon from Christ.  I expect to meet Daddy there, when God calls me home.”

Probably the most famous verse in the Bible begins with these words: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (John 3:16).  It’s good to focus on the connections we have with friends, romantic relationships, and family members, but let’s not forget about the immense love God has for you and me.  Why does God love us?  It’s not because we are lovable.  We all can be nasty, crabby, and unpleasant.  Adrian Rogers once said, “God does not love us because we are valuable; we are valuable because God loves us.”

Kevin

"O God, thank You for loving me"

With Valentine’s Day in the air, it’s important to remember that all of us (whether married or single) are deeply, passionately, and extravagantly loved by the God of the universe.  Romans 5 puts it so well: “When we were unable to help ourselves, at the right time, Christ died for us, although we were living against God.  Very few people will die to save the life of someone else.  Although perhaps for a good person someone might possible die.  But God shows His great love for us in this way: Christ died for us while we were still sinners.  So through Christ we will surely be saved from God’s anger because we have been right with God by the blood of Christ’s death” (verses 6-9; NCV).

I think I have heard Christian singer/songwriter Tommy Nelson’s marvelous song Thank You for Loving Me (https://lyrics.az/tommy-walker/make-it-glorious/thank-you-for-loving-me.html) well over one hundred times.  This song has a way of bringing tears to my eyes.  Check out these words:

“What love the Father has lavished on us that we should be called His sons and daughters, precious in His sight; greater love this world has never seen when He hung on that tree, O why would He do such a thing for dirty sinners like you and me?  [Chorus] O God, thank You for loving me, when on the cross You made history; Lord You died for me, forever my praise will go to Thee.  O God, thank for choosing me to be Your child and bear Your name; O Jesus I will never cease to sing Your praise.  Your love is patient, and humble, and kind, it’s greater than all my sin…It’s Your love that lifted me up from the depths, set my feet on a solid rock, with a firm place to stand, Lord I always will trust in Your loving hand.”

I wonder if you’ve never stopped to contemplate the amazing love God has for you.  Or maybe you’ve heard it but you haven’t believed it, to this point.  You thought God was out to get you.  You looked at the circumstances of your life and you became angry and bitter at God, because of the painful developments that happened to you.  I am not unfeeling to you or the pain you’ve experienced.  I know life can hurt very deeply; trust me, if anyone gets that, I get it.  But God has proven His deep love for you.  As we read earlier, Jesus Christ - God in human flesh - died for you, even when you were against Him.  He didn’t have to do that.  But He chose to do so.   

Kevin