What Does It Mean To Be An Ambassador For Jesus Christ?

Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:20
“Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

Webster defines the word “ambassador” as a country’s representative in a foreign land.” As Christians, we are Christ’s ambassadors, sent with His message of reconciliation to the world. An ambassador of reconciliation has an important responsibility and we dare not take the responsibility lightly. We are no longer strangers, foreigners, or enemies to God when we put our trust in Christ. Because we have been reconciled to God, He now gives us the privilege to encourage others to do the same.

Now the question arises, what exactly does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? Let us examine this issue more closely.

1. An ambassador does not appoint himself, he is appointed by Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20)
2. An ambassador does not have to worry about supporting himself. He realizes that whom the Lord calls, He also prepares and will supply his every need. (Ephesians 1:3; Philippians 4:19)
3. An ambassador has clear instructions in written form – the Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16)
4. An ambassador cannot take insults personally; he is accepted or rejected not on his own merit but because of whom he represents. (John 15:19-21)
5. An ambassador does not enter a country to gain profit for himself. His entire efforts are spent on serving the Lord and bringing glory to His name through the sharing of Good News, which is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:15)
6. An ambassador knows that he is a personal representative of someone else; everything that he says and does reflects on the one who sent him. (John 13:35; 17:23)
7. An ambassador’s perspective is service; his prospect is reward. He is commissioned for service and he will be rewarded. (Matthew 5:12; 2 John 1:8; Revelation 22:12)
8. An ambassador’s foundation is a sure foundation because it is built upon “the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God” and because he is built upon this foundation, he cannot fall. (Helaman 5:12)

Those who are called of God thus become His servants, His agents, and His ambassadors. They are sent forth to do the work that He has for them to do and to be a personal representative of Him. Their words are His words and their acts are His acts; when they serve within the field and scope of their authorization, it is as though the Lord Himself has said or done whatever is involved.

Hear the Master as He instructs His ambassadors before they embark upon their journeys, “And he called unto him the twelve, and began to send them forth by two and two; and gave them power over unclean spirits; And commanded them that they should take nothing for their journey, save a staff only; no script, no bread, no money in their purse: But be shod with sandals; and not put on two coats. And he said unto them, In what place soever ye enter into an house, there abide till ye depart from that place. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Mark 6:7-11).

That we may be humble, obedient, and loyal ambassadors for our Master is my humble prayer. In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Jan

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