Wearing Green?

During 6 years of slavery to a Celtic tribe, Patrick experienced hardship and adversity in a way that I can't imagine. While in such difficult circumstances, God brought to his mind the truth his mother had taught him years earlier. This foundation in the Word of God became the basis for his conversion.

In St. Patrick's own words:

“I was sixteen years old and knew not the true God and was carried away captive; but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and although late I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God, who regarded my low estate, had pity on my youth and ignorance, and consoled me as a father consoles his children. Every day I used to look after sheep and I used to pray often during the day, the love of God and a holy fear of Him increased more and more in me. My faith began to grow and my spirit was ardently stirred. Often, I would pray as many as a hundred times in a single day — and nearly as many at night. Even when I was staying out in the woods or on the mountain, I would rise before dawn for prayer, in snow and frost and rain. I felt no ill effect and there was no slackness in me. As I now realize, it was because the Spirit was maturing and preparing me for a work yet to come.”

Despite all the suffering Patrick went through at the hands of his captors, the love Christ showed him turned into a deep love for those who had hurt him. Again, I can't even imagine. Patrick's desire to reach out to the Celtic people kept hanging on to his heart and didn't let go. Eventually, he outright decided to go back to Ireland, where he had been a mistreated slave, and preach the Good News. His efforts were incredibly effective. Because of his steadfast love for the Irish people and fire for evangelism, thousands of people became believers.

On this Saint Patrick's day, I'm wearing green, dreaming of some unknown Irish heritage. But I'm also celebrating the way God works in real people through history to advance His kingdom. Patrick's love for Ireland is just one example of the Gospel in action.

"We know that the kingdom of heaven belongs to “those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness” (Matt. 5:10) and that great 'blessings' and 'rewards' eventually await those who have been 'insulted,' 'slandered,' and 'sore vexed' who nevertheless persevere in their high callings (Matt. 5:12–13). We know that often it is in 'afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, sleeplessness, and hunger' (2 Cor. 6:4–5) that our real mettle is proven. Nevertheless, we often forget that these things are not simply to be endured. They actually frame our greatest calling. They lay the foundations for our most effective ministries. It is when, like Patrick, we come to love God’s enemies and ours that we are set free for great effectiveness."

Thinking Back on Scotland

Out of all the great things to see and learn in Scotland, my favorite was the story of Patrick Hamilton. Even though he was part of the church, it wasn't until he was 23 (close to my age!) when he heard the Gospel for the first time. Immediately, he became very excited about the truth of salvation by grace alone through faith. So much so that he shared what he learned with Friar Campbell. The friar was amazed by the message from Patrick and put his trust in Christ.

 Or... at least he pretended to.

 In reality, Friar Campbell had no true conversion. He didn't even believe what Patrick told him about salvation. Instead, he acted like a believer to get Patrick to tell him more about the "heresy."

Eventually, the friar turned Patrick Hamilton in to the church authorities, who acted quickly.

He was summoned by a church council, tried, and sentenced to die. Hamilton's execution was carried out very quickly so that his friends would have no time to organize a rescue.

The church archbishop's intent was to quiet the spread of the true Gospel. Quite the opposite from what they intended, the news of Patrick Hamilton's death spread throughout Scotland. When people heard his story, it made them curious to learn more about the One he stood for.

Although his time as a Christian was only a year long, Patrick Hamilton influenced many people. He wrote:

 "The Law saith, Where is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction? The Gospel saith, Christ is thy righteousness, goodness, and satisfaction."

Reformed vs. Reformer

Samuel Rutherford. John Knox. Patrick Hamilton. James Guthrie.

Each of these covenanters lived radically for Christ. Any tendency toward apathy in their lives was consumed by passion for the Truth. In the world's eyes, the Scottish reformers would hardly count as successful. Rather than attaining wealth and status, Rutherford devoted himself to a small congregation. Knox spent over a year as a galley slave. Faced with burning at the stake, Hamilton chose to die for Christ instead of deny Him and live. Steadfast Guthrie held to the Word of God, not the promises of man.

Successful at first glance? Not very.

Yet every one of these men were reformers who transformed lives, influenced communities, and changed culture. Today, many Christians are content to be "reformed"--that is, holding beliefs that are in accord with reformed theology. While the set of beliefs you adhere to is critical, being "reformed" is often viewed as an endpoint that marks a past-tense completion of a goal. Contrast that idea with the reformers, whose vision never let them stop growing and reaching out.

When reformation is viewed as a collection of individuals that hold a specific set of beliefs, a standstill is unavoidable.

However, if reformation takes place as it did with the covenanters, every area of life is effected. We have a "reformed" mindset. If Christians just hold to a reformed theology, we think, then the church has accomplished its mission. Centuries ago, reformers actively applied their faith, realizing that faith that does not make an impact isn't true faith.

Today, we call Christians "reformed." Scottish covenanters were reformers.

To make my faith active, I need heaps of God's grace. Praise Him that He is willing to give it.