The United States of America has a splendid history in large part because of remarkable men and women. The “American idea” (actually biblical truth) that all men are created equal and possess certain inalienable rights, has been the propellant behind much of the blood spilt to purchase the freedom of men and women all over the world.
The cost of freedom and the cause of human decency has driven the American soldier all over the globe in pursuit of peace. To have peace, often times war is made. When tyrants such as Hitler choose to wage war on the world- it takes violence to pursue peace. This is where the American soldier comes in view. And, some have engaged in extraordinary actions of heroism that seem to defy humanities limitations to accomplish a noble feat.
President Abraham Lincoln signed into law a resolution which congress approved “A Medal of Honor for the Army.” It was signed into law on July 12, 1862. The Medal of Honor was made a permanent decoration on March 03, 1863.
The first to receive the medal were six union soldiers. They were members of a raiding party who crossed into Confederate territory destroying bridges and train tracks from Chattanooga, Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia in 1862. These medals are sparingly given and are reserved for those who manifest the greatest degree of bravery.
Of all the valiant service rendered in Americas storied history, only 3,526 of these medals have been awarded to 3,507 individuals. 2,116 (40%) of these were given during the Civil War, and only 69 recipients of this prestigious honor are alive today.
In the Bible, we do not read of distinguished “medals of honor” for those enlisted in the army of God. But we do note men of great honor, bravery, and skill.
The Bible tells us that Christians are soldiers who are to outfit themselves appropriately (2 Timothy 2:4-6; Ephesians 6: 10-18). Christian soldiers face a fierce enemy and must always be on guard (1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 5:15-16; Jude 1:9). And while the Bible directs men to “give honor to whom honor is due” (Romans 13:7), and the Lord Himself is “not unrighteous to forget your deeds” (Hebrews 6:10). Often times, extraordinary bravery is needed while bearing a cross through life (Matthew 16:24-25; Matthew 10:22-24; 1 Peter 3:16; 1 Peter 4:4). This bravery and faithfulness will be rewarded, not with a “medal” but with a crown.
The Christian soldier will be crowned on “that day” with the faithful and brave before the throne of almighty God (2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 2:10; Matthew 16:27). The crown of life will come to those who “endure till the end” (Matthew 10:22) and bear honorably the “cross of grief and pain” (1 Peter 2:21-23). When the remembrance of the Medal of Honor has faded into the obscurity of eternity, the crown of life will brightly shine as it radiates the light of God and the brightness of Heaven (Revelation 21:23).
This is all possible because of Jesus (Matthew 19:26). Men were entrapped and ensnared by sin, and deaths curse had humanity in a stranglehold (Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1). King Jesus laid down His life and paid the ransom price to secure freedom (John 3:16; Hebrews 2:14; John 10:18). That price was His blood (1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:12-14; Revelation 1:5). He gave it all for our freedom. He made the crown of life possible. Some have done extraordinary things for a “corruptible crown” but Christ offers that which is incorruptible (1 Corinthians 9:25).
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