Bible Study » Daily Devotional
AN AMAZING FACT: After being drafted, Desmond Doss’ refusal
to bear arms gave his commanders fits, and his fellow soldiers often
used the meek misfit as a punching bag. He believed his Christian faith
forbade the taking of lives and promoted their saving. He always kept
his Bible close by but refused to carry a weapon at his own peril. Yet
as an infantry medic during World War II, Doss did as much as any great
warrior to save the lives of his fellow men.
During a bloody assault in Okinawa in April 1945, private
first-class Doss exhibited magnificent fortitude and unflinching bravery
in the face of deadly conditions. He retrieved 75 wounded men off a
rocky cliff while under constant enemy fire. Doss believed this feat was
made possible only by the guiding and protective hand of God. Doss
received many wounds during that battle, but he always tended to others
before himself.
His reputation as a soldier propelled his name as a symbol for outstanding faith. While seriously wounded after jumping on a grenade to protect his fellow men, Doss dragged himself through the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers until he was rescued. Doss later discovered he’d lost his Bible during the conflict. However, the respect of his fellow soldiers had grown so profound that they searched the battlefield until they found the beloved Book of the private they had all once mocked.
For his heroic efforts and bravery, Doss received this country’s highest military honor. On Columbus Day in 1945, President Truman placed the Congressional Medal of Honor around Doss’ neck and said, “This is a greater honor for me than being president.” Doss is the only conscientious objector ever to receive the award.
Christ, in the same way, honors the church of Philadelphia. “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8). And, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial” (v. 10). Praise God for protection to those who persevere in His name.
His reputation as a soldier propelled his name as a symbol for outstanding faith. While seriously wounded after jumping on a grenade to protect his fellow men, Doss dragged himself through the battlefield to treat wounded soldiers until he was rescued. Doss later discovered he’d lost his Bible during the conflict. However, the respect of his fellow soldiers had grown so profound that they searched the battlefield until they found the beloved Book of the private they had all once mocked.
For his heroic efforts and bravery, Doss received this country’s highest military honor. On Columbus Day in 1945, President Truman placed the Congressional Medal of Honor around Doss’ neck and said, “This is a greater honor for me than being president.” Doss is the only conscientious objector ever to receive the award.
Christ, in the same way, honors the church of Philadelphia. “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name” (Revelation 3:8). And, “Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial” (v. 10). Praise God for protection to those who persevere in His name.
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Copyright 2015 by Amazing Facts Inc.
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