In Germany, we have a proverb: „Einer für alle, und alle für einen“, which translates to „One for all, and all for one.“ Even though I believe in proper English, you’d have it the other way round: „All for one and one for all.“ I have been thinking about this lately.
I hear this phrase often, especially regarding team sports, when everyone is working towards a common goal. As I continued thinking about it, I realised that the most profound example of this truth is found in Jesus Christ. He gave everything for everyone, for all of humanity, for you, for me.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)
Out of the abundance of the love He has for us, He gave His one and only Son. For us, He gave His only Son, for you and me, for all of us.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”(John 3:16)
He willingly gave One for all.
And as a response, we now get to give all for One, all for Him.
When Jesus hung on the cross, He wasn’t thinking of Himself. He was thinking of you. Of me. Of every person who would ever live. And yet, He did so without the guarantee that we would ever say “yes” to Him.
I grew up in church, but I didn’t always live fully for Christ. Still, even during the years I walked away, His decision to die for me remained the same. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus made a decision with me in mind. With you in mind. Even knowing that I would have a season where I lived in darkness, He still said, “You’re worth it.” He still says this about you.
Even before you ever saw the light of this world, He knew you. He handpicked you, and He loved you. And none of that changed. He still loves you. He actually loves so much. The most precious thing for me about this is that He is the One who knows me best, with all imperfections and flaws, yet He is the One who, regardless of that, loves me the most.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5a)
He knew you, and He never stopped knowing you! Even with the knowledge of you, He sent His Son. Some here might have turned from Him, maybe even mocked or ridiculed Him, maybe lived a life full of sin. Yet, He still died for you. He loved and loves you. He still wants you to be a part of His family and become of His children.
Out of the decision He made 2,000 years ago for you, for me, we now also get to make a decision for Him. A decision to first say yes to Him but also live fully for Him and give Him our all.
I believe more than ever, it is time. Time to choose. Time to say yes. Time to arise and shine.
Let’s go all for One.
The time is now!
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