Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Today I want to tell you the story of St. Patrick's life and the reason why we celebrate this holiday. You may think that shamrocks and little leprechauns have nothing to do with slavery, but if you look at the story--the true story--behind all of that you'll see something much bigger than just wearing green.
Just imagine...
Britain, fourth century A.D. it was just before Patrick turned 15, he and his family were at their holiday villa by the seaside, it was just before dawn; many were still sleeping when the pirates from a strange foreign land attacked the small villa on the hill. Although Patrick's family escaped, Patrick, along with some of the workers, did not and he was soon en route to Ireland. Patrick was sold as a slave, yes, a slave, to Miliuc of Slemich, a Druid tribal chieftain. He was given the job of a herdsman. During this time Patrick realized his need for God and began praying every day as he watched his master's sheep.
One night Patrick had a dream, and in it he heard a voice saying to him, "...Soon you will be returning to your own country." Later he had another dream that said, "Come and see where your ship is waiting for you." Twenty-two year old Patrick escaped and traveled 200 miles to the coast of Ireland, where a ship was beginning to set off. The crew allowed him to come on as a passenger. The journey by boat was long, including a stop on land where they journeyed for 28 days, after running out of food the captain challenged Patrick to ask his God for food. Patrick was glad to oblige, and responded, "Turn trustily to the Lord who is my God and put your faith in him with all your heart, because nothing is impossible to Him. On this day, he will send us food sufficient for our journey, because for him there is abundance everywhere." when the men turned around a herd of pigs was standing right in front of them. They feasted for days and gave thanks to God.
Two years later Patrick finally made it back to Britain and to his family who pleaded with him to never leave them again. Patrick studied to become a priest and bishop. But one night, he had a dream of a man who seemed to come from Ireland and was carrying a letter with the words "The Voice of the Irish", as Patrick read the words, he seemed to hear the voice of the same men he had worked with when he was a slave as if they were shouting, "Holy boy, we beg you, come back and walk once more among us." So, though it cost him his title of nobility and the respect of many, Patrick traveled back to the land of his captivity--Ireland. Patrick served, ministered, and taught the people of Ireland. He was persecuted by many and he was often on the run, Patrick continued to teach the people of Ireland and led many to Christ. He died on March 17th around the year 461 A. D. the day we celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
There is still slavery in the world TODAY. Though you may not know, people are still sold as slaves in countries like India, Sudan, and even the United States. Yes, the United States! Even in our own country women are sold to be sex slaves or factory workers. In Sudan young boys are kidnapped and forced to fight in wars as child soldiers. In India, children are forced to work in brick kilns all day and beaten if they even try to escape. Just like St. Patrick they are taken from their homes and treated terribly. But there is hope. If people like you and me stand up for those who have no voice, slavery will end.
