DEVOTION – DAY 248

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 “Christ’ Ambassadors”

 

2 Cor.5:18-20 “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And He committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’ ambassadors, as though God was making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’ behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

 

These verses contain some wonderful truths about God, the Father. In v18, we learn that God, the Father is the One who initiated the plan to reconcile sinners to Himself. God, the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to atone for the sins of mankind. So, that all who believe in Him as their Lord and Savior will be reconciled to God, the Father and not be judged for their sins. Believers are now given a “great commission”: the ministry of reconciliation – to share the gospel message to unbelievers so that they too may be reconciled with God, the Father through belief in Jesus Christ, God’s Son as their Lord and Savior.

 

Believers are therefore Christ’ ambassadors. An ambassador is someone who is a representative. It is a great privilege and also comes with great responsibility. Jesus Christ expects His followers to represent Him well. By our conduct, actions, words and behavior, it will influence how well or poorly, unbelievers think of Jesus Christ and His Church.

 

As an example, a major sportswear company like Nike may appoint a famous basketball player as their brand ambassador. This sportsman will wear Nike products, promote Nike products and his skill on the basketball courts will enhance the image of the Nike brand as a brand of excellence. But if the basketball player is caught in a drug scandal and his personal reputation is tarnished, then, the sportswear company, Nike will immediately cancel the brand ambassadorship contract because the basketball player’s damaged reputation may reflect on the Nike brand. In the same way, if Christians behave badly, it will cause unbelievers to think that Christians are no better than others, and so, they will not want to know more about Christianity. On the other hand, if Christians behave and do everything pleasing to God, they will draw many unbelievers to want to know more about Jesus Christ.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we want to thank you for drawing us to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus. Thank you for giving us this ministry of reconciliation. Please help us to be good ambassadors for Christ so that we can boldly share the gospel to others. We pray this in the wonderful name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

Questions

  1. How do you see yourself as an ambassador for Jesus Christ?
  2. How well have you been an ambassador for Christ? How have you been carrying out your ministry of reconciliation to others?
  3. Do you know that unbelievers are watching and judging your words, actions and behaviors? How does that affect the way you should conduct yourself? Discuss.