The Pilgrim Path---John 15:13 (5--25--20) Memorial Day

Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.

MEDAL OF HONOR CITATION:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty: Staff Sergeant Travis W. Atkins distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty on 1 June 2007, while serving in the position of Squad Leader with Company D, 2d Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment, 2d Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM. While manning a static observation post in the town of Abu Samak, Iraq, Staff Sergeant Atkins was notified that four suspicious individuals, walking in two pairs, were crossing an intersection not far from his position. Staff Sergeant Atkins immediately moved his squad to interdict the individuals. One of the individuals began behaving erratically, prompting Staff Sergeant Atkins to disembark from his patrol vehicle and approach to conduct a search. Both individuals responded belligerently toward Staff Sergeant Atkins, who then engaged the individual he had intended to search in hand-to-hand combat. Staff Sergeant Atkins, tried to wrestle the insurgent's arms behind his back. When he noticed the insurgent was reaching for something under his clothes, Staff Sergeant Atkins immediately wrapped him in a bear hug and threw him to the ground, away from his fellow soldiers. Staff Sergeant Atkins maintained his hold on the insurgent, placing his body on top of him, further sheltering his patrol. With Staff Sergeant Atkins on top of him, the insurgent detonated a bomb strapped to his body, killing Staff Sergeant Atkins. Staff Sergeant Atkins acted with complete disregard for his own safety. In this critical and selfless act of valor, Staff Sergeant Atkins saved the lives of the three other soldiers who were with him and gallantly gave his life for his country. Staff Sergeant Atkins' undaunted courage, warrior spirit, and steadfast devotion to duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 2d Brigade Combat Team, and the United States Army.

Freedom is not free. Many have given their lives to preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this Republic. We honor them today.

The Lord Jesus Christ, by his death, burial, and resurrection--- in league with the Father and the Holy Spirit---transform us into friends of Heaven. He actually gave Himself for us---when we were ungodly (Romans 5: 8). Had Jesus not "acted" as our Substitute, we would have forever remained enemies with God. What a radical Gospel Wonder! We were enemies---He made us friends!

Freedom is not free. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." Galatians 5: 13

"But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." Galatians 6: 14

These names were forwarded from the Presbyterian and Reformed Joint Commission on Military Chaplains. They could use your prayers---having been recently deployed:

Paul Kim--to the Middle East
Rob Cox ---to Kuwait
Seth Dunn---to Europe
Nathan Hayes---to Korea
Joshua Jackson---to Iraq
Inhwan Noh---to Kuwait
Peter Lee---26th Marine Expeditionary Unit
Matt Schilling---to Japan
Jeff Shamess--to Kuwait
Michael Howard---South Korea
Johan Baik---South Korea
Jonathan Craig---Navy region / Japan

"In eternity past Christ saw all our faults, and not one after another, but all together. This adds great wonder to the love of Christ. He saw every perverse look, every unkind gesture, every rebellious motion, every disingenuous act. Every heart was visible from eternity. Here is the wonder of Christ's love: it is fixed upon man, the worst of creatures. Consider his resolution, and wonder: I will give eternal life to those who have dishonored me." David Clarkson

Grace & Peace in Jesus Christ Our Lord, Pastor Jason