‘We are…Christ’s ambassadors.’ 2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV
Your job in the kingdom of God is that of an ‘ambassador’. What a privilege! And what a responsibility! Over the next few days, let’s look at some of the qualities of an ambassador: You must be a citizen of the country you represent. And ‘our citizenship is in heaven’ (Philippians 3:20 NIV). Exiled, John said, ‘I…was on the island of Patmos…On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit’ (Revelation 1:9-10 NIV). John knew it was not where he was but whose he was that counted the most as he represented his Lord.
Your life is the only Bible many people will ever read. From your lips they will receive the only gospel they ever hear. And your attitude may do more to win them than all your arguments. Before He was crucified, Jesus prayed this prayer for His disciples: ‘I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world’ (John 17:15-18 NKJV).
Before an ambassador is appointed, he or she goes through the closest scrutiny imaginable. Their moral integrity, their financial interactions, their family life, their work record, their every word and action come under the microscope. Shouldn’t it be more so for ambassadors of the King of kings? Never forget whose side you’re on. Never forget what kingdom you belong to. Never forget who you represent. You are Christ’s ambassador.
As Christians, we are referred to as ambassadors for Christ, and this concept is derived from several biblical passages, including 2 Corinthians 5:20, Philippians 3:20, Revelation 1:9-10, and John 17:15-18. Here’s an explanation of why we are Christ’s ambassadors and what it means:
1. Representing Christ: In 2 Corinthians 5:20, the apostle Paul states, “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” As ambassadors, we are representatives of Christ on earth, called to embody His character, teachings, and love.
2. Proclaiming the Gospel: As ambassadors, our primary role is to communicate the message of salvation and reconciliation through Christ. We are tasked with sharing the good news of God’s love, forgiveness, and redemption with others.
3. Reflecting Citizenship: In Philippians 3:20, Paul emphasizes that “our citizenship is in heaven.” As ambassadors, we are not citizens of this world but citizens of the kingdom of God. Our actions and conduct should reflect the values, principles, and priorities of our heavenly citizenship.
4. Enduring for the Gospel: In Revelation 1:9-10, the apostle John refers to himself as “your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus.” As ambassadors, we may face challenges, persecution, and hardship, but we are called to persevere and remain faithful in proclaiming the gospel.
5. Sanctification and Protection: In John 17:15-18, Jesus prays for His disciples, saying, “I am not asking you to take them out of the world but to protect them from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word.” As ambassadors, we are in the world but not of the world. We are set apart for God’s purposes, and through His truth and Word, we are sanctified and protected.
Being Christ’s ambassadors means that we are entrusted with the responsibility to represent Him faithfully, proclaim His message of salvation, and demonstrate His love and grace to others. It involves living in accordance with our heavenly citizenship, enduring challenges for the sake of the gospel, and seeking sanctification through God’s truth. As ambassadors, we have the privilege and calling to reflect Christ’s character, advance His kingdom, and invite others into a relationship with Him.
