All for One and One for All – sacrificial love

All for One and One for All

I read a scripture passage this morning that reminded me of another saying. “One for all and all for one!” A similar line is from a fairly popular movie, from several years ago. But you may be surprised that it comes from a Latin phrase:

Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno.

You may also be surprised to learn that it is the unofficial motto of Switzerland.

But, I suspect that many of you recognize it with a slight twist as a line from the movie, The Three Musketeers, “All for one and one for all” is best known as the motto of the title characters in the book The Three Musketeers, by the nineteenth-century French author Alexandre Dumas. I read it in high school, and I think I liked the movie better, but it may be different if I read it now, from the perspective of a writer.

The Theme of One for All

The theme behind this line is that one supports/fights for all and all support/fight for the one. It is a noble concept and adopted over the centuries by the military forces of many countries.

As a Trekkie, yes I am a Star Trek, Star Wars, etc. fan. To be downright honest, I am a science fiction fan, and most of it is related to any futuristic type of fiction. (Big surprise! You may say.) Much of science fiction is speculative in nature… where one has to guess what could happen and create possible if not highly improbable, guesses. Speculation is not based on factual information, per se, but is engaged in expressing, or based on conjecture rather than knowledge.

The Needs of the Many

That is why my first non-Christian thought was of Spock’s sacrifice, where he so famously stated… “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.” “Or the one,” Kirk finished. Or, one could say, “One sacrifice, so all could live.” I loved that scene, even as I was bawling my eyes out. But there is a far more important concept here, one set out by Jesus Christ. He – the one, died for the many – us.

I am not a prodigious student of history, so I don’t know if such a concept had been invoked before Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. He, the One, sacrificed himself for the many.

I wonder if writers tap into this concept because it sounds like a good idea, or do they have faith in Christ and want to show it to others? As a writer, I often take the actions of others and incorporate them into my work. I am an observer of human nature, learn from it, and at times, I use it in my writing.

Better… that one man die

However, as a Christ follower, in reading my Bible, I see some themes repeated. I suppose God, the best creator, author, and writer of all time, wanted to make sure His point got across to his audience… his children… us. That is what a writer is supposed to do… repeat the theme, so the reader gets it.
Well, one surprising place that theme cropped up this morning was in John 11:50.

John 11:50
You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.”

Here we have Caiaphas, the high priest who made this startling statement when discussing and plotting the death of Jesus. There are so many things wrong and yet wonderful about it. Wonderful, because it foreshadows what will happen to Christ. Wonderful, because we learn that this was God’s plan all along, and he even used evil people like Caiaphas to carry out His divine plan, His divine will.

Wrong, because we see the corrupt nature of humanity in its full glory. Here is the high priest, planning the death of an innocent man, so he can maintain his position and standing in society. He twists God’s word to suit his needs and leads others to follow him. He is just as bad as Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ (at least in my humble opinion.)

What are we to take from this?

Several things.
1. God uses everything he wants to use, even evil-hearted people.
2. God’s plans and purposes are always carried out.
3. God’s promises are always fulfilled.
4. God’s children are loved by Him, and He does what is best for them… which is US!

Peace and Gratitude

So, I walk away with a sense of peace and gratitude. In a world where everything seems to be spinning out of control; where ethics no longer exist; and where social values are twisted, crushed, and thrown away. In a world where the lives of the unborn are considered a throwaway commodity, I still believe God is in control. Why? Because He has a plan. A plan He put into place a very long time ago. A divine plan that is being carried out at this very moment.

What is the plan?

The reconciliation of a fallen world to God. For God’s children to come back to him, to be in His presence once again. For everyone to come to know Him personally and to exist in a relationship with Him. It is to bring back the prodigal and restore him to his rightful place.

Through our sin, we are the prodigal. Christ is our salvation, who enables our restoration to become the children of God once again.

Thank Jesus Christ for His one sacrifice, so that all, which includes you, may live. His One for All!

Have a blessed day.
Jana