Stories abound about St. Patrick, including the tale of him driving out all the snakes from Ireland. But these legends, written long after his death, are most likely entertaining tales. Yet what we do know of this fifth-century man of God is remarkable. Despite having been a captive in Ireland for six years, Patrick later obeyed the Lord’s calling to return and preach the gospel there. “Daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises,” he wrote. “But I fear nothing . . . I have cast myself into the hands of Almighty God, who reigns everywhere.”
Knowing that God “reigns everywhere” brings tremendous reassurance, especially in times of trial. God spoke this message to His people in Jerusalem when they were under threat. Within their camp their leaders were corrupt and the prophets were making up visions from God (v. 25); on the horizon lay the threat of Babylon’s army. Yet God declared Himself to be “nearby” despite the corrupt leaders and “far away” despite Babylon’s power (Jeremiah 23:23). “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” God asked them (v. 24).
God still “reigns everywhere.” We might be experiencing trials and hardship, but we can take courage in God’s promise that He reigns over everything. In all the situations we’ll encounter today we know He is still our King and that He will exercise His love and saving grace.
By Chris Wale
REFLECT & PRAY
What reassurance does God’s eternal reign give you? How can you remind yourself that He is still King, even when your circumstances don’t make sense?
Thank You, heavenly Father, that You reign over me and over the whole world. Help me to serve You and to partner with You in extending Your love and goodness.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
In Jeremiah 23, God spoke through the prophet Jeremiah against the “shepherds” (kings and priests, vv. 1–2) and prophets (vv. 9–40) for their continued disobedience and for leading the people astray. The shepherds were called to be godly leaders who guided and protected; instead, they’d destroyed and scattered “the sheep of [God’s] pasture” (v. 1 ). And rather than speaking God’s truths, the prophets “prophesied by Baal and led [God’s] people Israel astray” (v. 13). They “live[d] a lie” and strengthened “the hands of evildoers” so that they didn’t turn back “from their wickedness” (v. 14). God warned the people not to listen to the false prophets who weren’t speaking for God and offered only “false hopes” (v. 16). Because of their refusal to listen, Judah would be exiled at the hands of the Babylonians. Yet God wouldn’t forsake them forever ( vv. 3–8).
Alyson Kieda
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