No Greater Love

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“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

The Congressional Medal of Honor is the highest most prestigious military decoration awarded to American soldiers. This medal is presented by the President of the United States on behalf of the Congress. Many times it is awarded posthumously to a family member of the fallen soldier.  The MOH, and several others, like the Distinguished Service Cross (Army), Navy Cross, Air Force Cross are awarded to members who have carried out the bravest and most selfless acts in combat. Many of the recipients gave their lives to save the lives others.  Likewise, First Responders receive similar civilian medals in recognition of their bravery and selfless acts.   President Bush awarded 443 Medals of Valor to family members of the Emergency Responders who died in the 9/11 attack. 

We recognize and bestow honor on those who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service for the lives of others.  It’s fascinating to me that most of the medals are emblems of some type of a cross. 

There is a powerful lesson to be learned by watching the response of people in the service where medals are being awarded. If you are in the service as a guest, you might stand and clap in recognition and respect for the family member.  If you are the parent, spouse, child or relative of the fallen family member the medal takes on a deeper, much more, personal meaning. You appreciate people honoring your loved one who gave up their life so that others would live. However, if you are the individual whose life was saved, pulled out of the fire, by the selfless act of an individual you maybe didn’t even know, it becomes a life changing experience. You will be forever connected to the person who died in your stead. Your response comes from your inner most being, heart, soul and mind. The cross takes on a whole different meaning to you. You will no doubt want to get to know everything about that person, be close to the family, because you want them to know you will never forget what their loved one did for you. The life you enjoy now is because they died saving you.

No matter how brave and selfless the acts of these individuals were who died rescuing you, many believed, even if it was hope against hope that they would make it out alive. Jesus came to die. We were on our way to a burning Hell and Jesus pulled us out of that eternal fire.  Jesus died that we might live. No man took His life but He laid it down for us. 

When you look at the Cross, are you one of the many on lookers, who see Jesus as a great teacher, prophet, miracle worker, just a historical figure who helped many but died a martyr? Do you know Him as your Lord and Savior, who sacrificed His life that you, might live?  Your response to the Cross speaks volumes and has eternal ramifications! There is no greater love!

CBA/RA

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