“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.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20
The United States government has an embassy in most countries of the world. The person appointed to lead the embassy has the title of ambassador. Our country has an ambassador for each foreign embassy. Having the title of “ambassador,” sounds rather prestigious, but it is more than a title. An ambassador is entrusted with great responsibility.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “... we are ambassadors for Christ...” An ambassador lives in a foreign land, representing his home country. Christian friend, we are ambassadors. We are living in a foreign land. This world is not our home, we're just passing through. Our citizenship is in heaven. Each day we live, we are representing our homeland, serving our Lord in this sinful world.
If you ever visit a foreign country, the American embassy is the place to go if you have problems. The Ambassador is available to render aid to citizens of his home country who happen to be visiting or working in that foreign land. Similarly, as Ambassadors for Christ, we are called to render aid to other citizens of heaven. Other believers should be able to count on us to pray and help when they have problems. Can other believers count on you when they are down?
Next, an Ambassador is a spokesman for his home country. Sometimes you will hear that an American ambassador will speak to leaders in that foreign land when adversity arises. As Ambassadors for Christ, we are called to speak to the residents of this fallen world. We have a powerful and needed message. You and I are called to spread the Gospel. As Ambassadors, it is our unique privilege to share the Good News with those who need it most. It is our job to make the message known. What others do with that message is their responsibility. God has given us a message. Let's be faithful in spreading it!
Even though an American ambassador lives in a foreign land, he maintains his American citizenship. He is only on assignment in that foreign land. Technically, as Christians, we have dual citizenships. We are citizens of the United States of America. But more importantly, we are citizens of heaven. Our American citizenship is temporary. Our heavenly citizenship is eternal.
On my Facebook and Twitter home pages, here's how I describe myself: “I am citizen of heaven, on temporary assignment here on earth.” I am an ambassador for Christ. This is true for every believer.
When things get too hostile in a foreign country, the President will order the embassy closed and call the ambassador home. Hostility continues to multiply against Christians in this world. There will come a time (and it may be very soon), that our Commander-in-Chief will call His ambassadors home. Our Lord will soon return and our assignment will be over. All of His ambassadors will be taken home in the twinkling of an eye.
Until then, let's labor to represent our Lord in an honorable way --- as ambassadors for Christ.
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