Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
1 JOHN 4:4 | 4 Little children, you are from God and have conquered them, for the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.
The final line of our hymn is today’s subject because it hints at the inspiration behind the folk tune to which we sing it. The tune is called Slane and the line is, “still be my vision, O Ruler of all.” Slane was a mountain in Ireland and the folk tune bears it because of a moment in the life of Saint Patrick. Born in 373 A.D. on the Clyde river, in what is now Scottland, Patrick’s grandfather was a priest and his father a deacon. Yet he rejected the faith. As a teenager, he was kidnapped by raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd animals. Out in the fields he had an encounter with God and became convicted of his unbelief. He escaped and returned to Britian, and then had a dream calling him to return and evangelize Ireland. Armed only with a Bible, he began to preach and teach. On Easter eve, or Holy Saturday, there was a druid ceremony that involved a bonfire. King Loegaire insisted no one light a light before the pagan fire was kindled, but Patrick defied him. The king admired his courage and allowed him to continue preaching. He made 100,000 converts and planted 200 churches. The light he lit on Slane Hill spread all over and eventually back to Britian. Patrick viewed the king as a lesser power than the Lord he loved.
Have you ever been scared to show your light?
Gracious God,
You are the ruler of all and I am Your servant. Let no one intimidate me by fear or coercion, physical or social.
Amen.
