E Pluribus Unum

 By Cathy Ramsey

 

 

E Pluribus Unum – Latin for “Out of Many, One.” It was approved by an Act of Congress in 1782 to be included on the Great Seal of the United States. The concept behind the inclusion was “Out of 13 colonies, One Nation.”

It dawned on me that this is also a Christian concept. I could not stop thinking about it; it intrigued me. This is a Biblical concept found everywhere from Isaiah 66 to Romans 12. God takes people from all nations and peoples, no matter how unlikely, and makes them one in Christ.

Isaiah 66:18 – Knowing their works and their thoughts, I have come to gather all nations and languages: they will come and see my glory.

Romans 12: 4-5 – Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another.

Lucas Necessary says, “Christ’s church is not determined by solely labels, or by buildings, or by where “true Christians should be;” it is nothing physical like that. It is a spiritual Kingdom; it is one body. It is all of those saved in Jesus the Christ, wherever they may be, and it may surprise us.”

I keep hearing how divided this country is right now due to politics and Covid 19. Based on what I see on NextDoor, Facebook and TV, I guess it is true. So many people that I love and respect have such different views politically or in how we manage COVID risks. I have found myself getting frustrated and anxious over some of these divisions. But then when I was praying about this, I heard God say to me that we are all one in Him. Even though we have been so isolated and so restricted during all this, we have God’s unconditional love and grace and…. we have each other. As long as we all believe in God and believe that Jesus is our Lord and Savior, we are not divided; our faith unites us.

One of the most wonderful things about Elizabeth Presbyterian Church is that we are a family. We are one in Jesus Christ. The person sitting next to you (Do you imagine you are sitting next to EPC people when watching the live stream or YouTube worship service? I do.) may be different from you in many ways, but that person is the same where it counts. We love each other, we take care of each other, and we pray for each other. We are truly one in Jesus Christ. We are one in the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one In Christ Jesus.

Ephesians 1:10 – That is the dispensation of the fullness of time he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth even in him.

Philippians 1:27 – Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

A beautiful song for your enjoyment is in a link below.   “We Are One Body”:

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2gostrArMqM&feature=youtu.be

 

Dear Father God,

Lord Jesus, we are all a people of one true God and we are one in the body of Christ. We all stand here together to give You praise and honor and glorify Your Holy Name. Lord Jesus, as we know where two or three or more are gathered in Your name, You are with us. We are one in the body of Christ Jesus. We are members one of another. Lord Jesus, Bless us to find unity with each other to work together to deliver Your word. Lord Jesus, thank You for granting us the patience to work together and for bringing us all together as a family. Help us to work together with understanding and compassion in our hearts. Help us to do the good things in our daily lives so that others will see You and Your love within us. Thank You Lord for Your great plans and Your love for us all.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen