Our Ministry And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation, to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them, and hath committed unto us the Word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were beseeching you by us: we pray you on Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) According to Wikipedia, an ambassador is: The highest-ranking diplomat who represents a nation. This diplomat is usually stationed in a foreign country to advance the agendas of his home government. An ambassador is not a citizen of the country where he lives. His sole purpose in living there is to represent his home nation and advance its interests in the host country. In this passage, Paul calls Christians ambassadors of Christ. This comparison is a wonderful picture of the purpose of each Christ follower’s life. We, too, live in a place that is not our home. For our citizenship is in heaven. Have you ever wondered why God prolongs calling us home to live with Him forever? This passage answers that question…it is because He has appointed His followers as ambassadors on this earth. We are His representatives, through whom He accomplishes His plan and purposes. And what is the main work of Christ’s ambassadors? It is to share the message of reconciliation. You see, Christ was God’s first ambassador to earth. He came to reconcile mankind to our Creator because our rebellion made us His enemy. What does it mean to be reconciled to God? It means to be won over, or to be made right with God. Christ’s message was one of repentance and faith. And now, Christ has committed His ministry of reconciliation to His followers. It’s just as if, Paul writes, God is making His appeal through us. And what is God’s appeal to every person on the face of this earth? Be reconciled to God! What if you began to live your life intentionally as an ambassador of Christ? Would your attitude, motives, words and actions change? It is an amazing truth that Christ has entrusted His ministry to us. It is for His sake that we are living in a land that is not our eternal home. May our lives proclaim His message: Be reconciled to God! Lord Jesus, Thank You for reconciling me to God through Your sacrifice on the cross. It is overwhelming to think that You have entrusted me with Your message. Please give me Your heart for those who need to be reconciled to God. Show me how to love and serve them, and how to boldly share the gospel with humility and grace. It is in Your name I pray. Amen. Dr.James Merritt Pastor Cross Pointe Church Duluth, Georgia Share this with a friend. Give them the gift of Gods inspiration.
Posted on: Wed, 12 Nov 2014 15:18:56 +0000