IDENTIFIABLE

What marks you as a Follower of Jesus?

The origin of the term “DOG TAGS” is believed to have one of two sources:

WIlliam Randolph Hearst used the term in 1936 in reference to an FDR proposal to give SS Identity tags for use as a form of Identification for SS benefits.

The Term was commonly used by draftees during WWII in reference to being treated like dogs by the military.

During the Civil War of 1860-65, there were no official “dog tags”. Rather, soldiers would sew ID into their clothing, and some even made carved wooden ID amulets which they wore around their neck. In the VICKSBURG MEMORIAL CEMETARY, of the 17,000 soldiers buried there, approximately 13,000 are unidentified.

The First Official dog tags came at the end of the Spanish-American War, in 1899.

During WWI, in 1916, a second tag was issued added, with C, H, or P (Catholic, Hebrew, Protestant)

The Dog Tag found its current form and size in the 1940’s during WWII.

In the Vietnam War, the taking of one tag from the deceased soldier was begun. In addition, in 1969 the military transitioned from Military ID Number to SSN. This lasted until 2015, when they transitioned back to the military ID number.

THE “DOG TAG” serves the dual purposes: of IDENTIFICATION and CLARIFICATION. Identification of a deceased soldier, and clarification of Service Branch, Gender, Blood Type, and Religious Preference.

FOR THE CHRISTIAN: IMITATION IS OUR IDENTIFICATION!

To the JEWS, the scar of Circumcision identified them as Abraham’s descendant. For the Apostle Paul, it was the scars of Suffering for Jesus that he pointed to as proof of his allegiance.

Scars are the authenticating marks of faithful discipleship and true spiritual leadership.

J. Oswald Sanders

These scars are the marks that prove the crucified Jesus is the risen Christ. These wounds are also His credentials in ministering to all suffering humanity. They are scars that the church, His body on earth, must bear if it is to continue the authentic ministry of Jesus.

Roger L. Fredrikson; Lloyd J. Ogilvie

2102 Our Lord promised a cross and scars, not medals, down here. The honors are given out later.

Havner, Vance

In the “Shepherd Boy’s Song,” The Pilgrim’s Progress, 1678, pt. II, John Bunyan wrote:

My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me, that I have fought His battles who now will be my rewarder.285

John Bunyan

1. THE DOUBT — JOHN 20:25

John 20:25 NASB95

So the other disciples were saying to him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the imprint of the nails, and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

2. THE DISPLAY — JOHN 20:26-27

John 20:26–27 NASB95

After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing.”

3. THE DECLARATION — JOHN 20:28

John 20:28 NASB95

Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”

The SCARS of Jesus served as the IDENTIFYING marks that proved the fact of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was identified by the proofs of His Crucifixion.

Paul would also point to his scars to legitimize his authority as an Apostle of Jesus Christ. Galatians 6:17

Galatians 6:17 NASB95

From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.

SACRIFICIAL LOVE FOR CHRIST AND OTHERS IS THE GENUINE IDENTIFICATION OF COMMITMENT TO JESUS:

John 13:34–35 NASB95

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

BEFORE WE CAN FOLLOW CHRIST INTO HIS GLORY, WE MUST BE WILLING TO FOLLOW HIM INTO THE SCARRING FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SUFFERING.

The temporary scars we bear for Christ and others, will bring the eternal blessing from Christ.

LOVING JESUS AND OTHERS SACRIFICIALLY WILL BRING ITS COST FOR US. IT WILL SURELY LEAVE ITS SCARS, BUT IT WILL BE WORTH THE SACRIFICE IN THE END.