More than just “green”…

More than just “green”…
I admit it. I got the idea from someone else. In January I did a message titled “Can They Hear You?.” In it I encouraged people to learn a little about they popular culture we live in. I used the movie “Avitar” as an example. Being a “missionary” is not something reserved for people who go to the deepest darkest parts of the world. Its a calling for everyone who follows Jesus. Just like anyone else who is going to work in distant country – we need to study the place where we live, learning the stories that impact people and the language they use to express themselves.
Growing up, St. Patrick’s Day was always about wearing something green so I wouldn’t get pinched. I think I later learned that old St. Patty rid the island of snakes. It wasn’t until a few years ago that I learned the real story of St. Patrick and his work. Its a fascinating story. He was kidnapped when he was 16 from Britain. He served as a slave for years in Ireland but escaped and went home. But he went back years later to share with pagan tribes the good news about Jesus. He was a pioneer in his work – he developed new strategies to reaching the tribes. He learned their stories, and their language and observed their religions. Because of his work (more than 1500 years ago), Irish people everywhere still celebrate his work (although its done with a few more beers now)!
So I’m not really teaching any kind of profound new truth, I’m borrowing from what Jesus did so well and what Patrick did in Ireland. It still works today.
Heres a good short history: http://jonathandodson.org/2010/03/st-patrick-the-missional-leader/

Here is Patrick’s famous prayer:

As I arise today,
may the strength of God pilot me,
the power of God uphold me,
the wisdom of God guide me.
May the eye of God look before me,
the ear of God hear me,
the word of God speak for me.
May the hand of God protect me,
the way of God lie before me,
the shield of God defend me,
the host of God save me.
May Christ shield me today.
Christ with me, Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit,
Christ when I stand,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.
 Amen

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