William "Kyle" Carpenter was a dead man.
It's true. Carpenter was
declared "dead" by the officials at an Afghan field hospital and at
Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Although he was revived by the medical
teams, he should have breathed his last because of the wounds he
sustained on November 21, 2010.
It was on that day that Carpenter
and another Marine were stationed on the roof of a building during a
firefight with the Taliban in Afghanistan's Helmand Province. Manning
his machine gun, Carpenter saw an enemy hand grenade land near their
position.
Rather than running away from the grenade, Carpenter
ran toward it and used his body to shield his comrade. The blast
collapsed one of his lungs, destroyed his jaw, cost him an eye, and
shattered his body in a horrible manner. His injuries kept him in the
hospital for almost two-and-a-half years.
Still, it should be
noted this once-dead man is now leading a most exceptional life.
Carpenter says, "The enemy killed me. I came back, ran a marathon,
completed a mud run, and jumped from a plane."
He didn't mention
the fact he has also thrown out the opening pitch at a Padres baseball
game, and he has also stopped by the White House where the president has
bestowed on him the Medal of Honor, the highest military award America
can bestow.
Reading Carpenter's story, I was reminded of our
Savior who sacrificed Himself so that those who believe on Him would be
forgiven and saved. Rather than running from death and saving Himself,
Jesus dedicated Himself to the cause of offering His life so we might
live.
Now, because of the risen Redeemer's gracious and selfless
sacrifice, believers are freed from sin's condemnation and are given new
lives -- lives that are filled with blessing and hope. Looking past His
resurrection, Jesus shared the purpose of His work when He said in John
10:10b, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
And if you're wondering how we who have been given an abundant life
ought to respond to this great blessing of salvation, I would reply that
our thanks will not come in the form of a most honored medal. No, our
response ought to be shown when we join our voices with the multitudes
in heaven who say, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power
and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!" (See
Revelation 5:12.)
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, there are times
when humans will be willing to lay down their lives for a comrade or
friend. Your sacrifice is especially gracious because You died and rose
for sinners whose actions had made them enemies of heaven. Now may we
offer up thanks for the gracious life of salvation You have won. In Your
Name. Amen.
Pastor Ken
Klaus Lutheran Hour Ministries All rights reserved;
not to be duplicated without permission.
