Be an ambassador for Christ 19 May 2021
Key verses: 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 “in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ,”
There is so much within this chapter and I would like to concentrate on one small but important point within it “we are ambassadors for Christ”. When you hear the word “ambassador,” it is easy to think politician or diplomat, someone who represents our nation in a far-off land, whose job it is to be the go-between for two foreign countries. Someone who negotiates agreements, meets with foreign leaders, or even acts as peacemaker when trouble arises. When we read these words in our text that as Christian’s we are to be Christ’s ambassadors, we might feel some fear, how are we, as followers of Jesus, supposed to be ambassadors of our Lord and Saviour? After all, an ambassador is trained for this role.
In this letter, written around 55 or 56 A.D. to the church in Corinth, Paul offers wisdom and encouragement, as well as some tough directions, for those growing believers. Urging them to give generously, reject false teachings, and strive to understand the true meaning and the calling of Christian ministry. This calling is what Paul is emphasising here, where he highlights that God is the ultimate judge of all creation. And we out of love, reverence, and fear of the Lord, are not only live in a way that reflects our faith but are to convince others to do the same “Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we try to persuade others”
v 11. We are to no longer live for ourselves but for Christ, because “he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them.” v 15. We are a “new creation” v 17, reborn and reconciled to God. Paul in many of his letters shows that we were once separated from God by sin, and through Christ we are now re-joined with our Heavenly Father. This is a promise open to everyone who repents and believes in Jesus, and it is up to us all to do our part to spread that message so that all people can be reconciled too.
By using these words “ambassadors of Christ,” Paul meant that Christians should see themselves as representatives of God and were to behave accordingly. They had an important job to do: showcase Christ, and deliver His message so others could know Him, too. This I believe gives us a lot of insight into what are the marks of an ambassador of Christ, they are to be faithful, prayerful, and ready to speak about the Lord accepting the fact that an ambassador will not always be listened to or accepted so must also be peacemakers. We know that only the saving grace of God brings true peace, and we want to deliver that message to all people so they too can know that peace. We are to shine the light of Christ into the dark, evil places of the world in the hopes that someone might hear the message and answer God’s call.
A good ambassador must behave respectfully to the people who are receiving their message, know they are being watched for what they do, understand their first allegiance is to God, and stand firm in their faith. Jesus tells us in John 13:35 “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Paul tells us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29, and he further urges that we must “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart,” 2 Timothy 2:22. So as ambassadors of God our actions show from whom we come. We must reflect Jesus, and our message is received better when it is delivered with love, compassion, and grace, it draws people toward us, not away. However, when asked to do something that is against God’s law, then our response should be different, Peter and the others were told by the high priest not to teach in the name of Jesus their response was “We must obey God rather than human beings” Acts 5:29. While a good ambassador must strive to get along with others, their responsibility is to their sender first and foremost.
Finally, as an ambassador for Christ we are to be God’s representative here on earth and should remember our task is to present Him through our lives, words and actions. We are to stand firm in our faith, no matter what, we stand with Him and very importantly He with us, so let us “take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13 and let us declare in Pauls words “and to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it boldly, as I must speak.” Ephesians 6:19-20. It takes courage, but as Jesus said “have no fear of them; for nothing is covered up that will not be uncovered, and nothing secret that will not become known. What I say to you in the dark, tell in the light; and what you hear whispered, proclaim from the housetops.” Matthew 10:26-27 and His promise “remember, I am with you always” Matthew 28:20.