The Place of Highest Honor ∙∙∙

The Place of Highest Honor ∙∙∙

God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names. – Philippians 2:9

Colossians 1:15-22

Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth.

He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see, such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.

and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth using Christ’s blood on the cross.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom: A Symbol of Excellence

The President of the United States has the unique privilege of honoring individuals who represent the pinnacle of achievement among American civilians.

Established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the nation’s highest civilian honor. This distinguished award is reserved for those who have made extraordinary contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, advanced global peace, enriched cultural heritage, or achieved excellence in other significant public or private endeavors.

The sitting president typically presents the medal to recipients selected for their exceptional accomplishments. As of 2021, more than 670 individuals have received this honor. Among them, Ellsworth Bunker and Colin Powell stand out as two-time recipients of this prestigious recognition.

As a symbol of excellence, the Presidential Medal of Freedom underscores the idea that anyone, regardless of their origins or social status, can aspire to embody the highest ideals and inspire others to follow their example.

The Lord Jesus Christ: The Ultimate Honor

Does the Lord Jesus Christ merit the place of highest honor and devotion? Would His unmatched contributions to humanity, global peace, and spiritual transformation qualify Him for such recognition? If an American president had existed in the first century, would they have bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Him?

In the end, such a question is moot. The Most High God, the supreme authority over all creation, has already bestowed upon the Lord Christ the highest honor possible. The Father has decreed for all eternity that the name of the Lord Jesus Christ is elevated above every other name. In complete submission to the Father and with unwavering dedication to the eternal salvation of humanity, Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself for the sins of the world. Through His death, He bridged the chasm between the holy, pure, and righteous Father and sinful, broken, and fallen humanity. Jesus exemplified the truth and transformative power of His teachings, providing humanity with a perfect model to emulate. His life and ministry serve as a timeless testament to humility, love, and selflessness, offering a path for all who seek to follow in His footsteps.

His life showed humility, as reflected in His own words: Luke 14:11: “Those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

REFLECT & PRAY

2 Corinthians 8:9: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes so that you by his poverty could become rich.”

Father, strengthen me to glorify and preserve the Lord Jesus Christ in the place of highest honor in my life.

INSIGHT

The True Value of a Gift

The true value of a gift is not measured by how much money it’s worth but by where it comes from and what it means. This is why heirlooms passed down through generations hold profound sentimental significance. These cherished items are far more than material possessions; they embody the love, memories, and enduring legacy of those who came before us, serving as tangible connections to our past, cultural identity, and sense of belonging.

Similarly, the gifts of eternal life, forgiveness, unconditional acceptance, and adoption into the Father’s Forever Family are invaluable. These blessings, freely offered to all who put their faith in the Son of God, go beyond anything the world can provide. They are not earned or deserved but are given out of the boundless grace and love of the Father.

Through His Son, the Father has revealed Himself to humanity, making the invisible God visible and accessible. These divine gifts testify to His desire for a relationship with us, offering hope and purpose that far surpass the fleeting treasures of this world.

Colossians 2:9: “For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.”

Hebrews 1:3: “He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

2 Corinthians 4:4: “Christ, who is the exact likeness of God.”

Redemption: A Finished Work

In the work of redemption, the Son has proclaimed, “It is finished.” Every requirement for salvation has been fulfilled, and redemption is freely available to all who choose to accept it. As Greg Laurie succinctly put it, the essence of the Christian faith can be captured in a single word: DONE. In contrast, the core of all other religions can be summarized in one word: DO.

The gifts of the Father are not the result of human effort or merit. They are freely bestowed by grace, a testament to His infinite love and unparalleled generosity.

A Story of Selflessness: The 1964 Winter Olympics

The 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, became the stage for an extraordinary demonstration of selflessness and the true spirit of sportsmanship. During the two-man bobsled competition, the British team faced a critical setback when they discovered a broken bolt on their sled just before their second run. Without a solution, their hopes of competing, and possibly medaling, were in jeopardy.

Eugenio Monti of Italy, a legendary figure in winter sports with ten world championships and six Olympic medals, learned of their predicament. Despite being a fierce competitor himself, Monti chose to prioritize integrity and sportsmanship over personal gain. In an exceptional act of generosity, he offered the British team a bolt from his own sled, enabling them to make the necessary repairs. With their sled restored, the British team delivered a stellar performance and ultimately won the gold medal. Monti’s team, however, finished in third place.

When asked about his selfless gesture, Monti responded with humility, saying, “Nash didn’t win because I gave him the bolt. He won because he had the fastest run.” His words reflected not only his sportsmanship but also his deep respect for his competitors’ skill and effort.

In recognition of his noble act, Monti was honored with the De Coubertin Medal for Sportsmanship by the International Olympic Committee, becoming the first recipient of this prestigious award. Named after Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic Games, the medal is reserved for athletes who embody the highest ideals of sportsmanship. Unlike medals earned through athletic performance, this honor is awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional moral character, selflessness, and a commitment to the values that define the Olympic spirit.

Monti’s actions at Innsbruck remain a timeless example of how true greatness in sports is not only measured by victories but also by the integrity, generosity, and humanity shown in moments of challenge. His legacy continues to inspire athletes and spectators alike, reminding us that the essence of competition lies not just in winning but in uplifting others along the way.

The Ultimate Act of Humility

The Lord Jesus Christ stands as the quintessential embodiment of humility and selflessness. Though He was fully God, He chose not to cling to His equality with God or exploit it for His own advantage. Instead, He willingly surrendered His divine prerogatives, assuming human form and embracing the humble position of a servant. His steadfast obedience to the Father compelled Him to endure immense suffering and the degradation associated with a criminal’s death.

In this extraordinary act of sacrifice, the Father exalted Him to the highest place of honor, bestowing upon Him a name that surpasses all others. Through this profound narrative, we witness the transformative power of humility and obedience, encapsulated in the life and ultimate sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ.

A Model for All

The Lord Jesus Christ received the highest recognition and the praise of heaven, setting a perfect example for all who follow Him. His life provides persuasive evidence that humility leads to exaltation and recognition. As children of the King, we are called to imitate His example by living lives of selflessness, grace, and unwavering devotion to the Father.

The life and sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ transcend all earthly honors and accolades. His unparalleled impact on humanity and His pivotal role in reconciling heaven and earth embody the highest expression of love, humility, and divine purpose, as proclaimed by the Most High God.

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© Dr. H 2026