We Are All Ambassadors

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 2 Corinthian 5:20 NKJV

In a story published by BBC News last week, it was reported that a blind runner plans to run a marathon using technology that allows sighted people to see what he sees - and to give him directions - in real time.

By day, 45-year-old Clarke Reynolds is a creator who turns braille into works of art to help raise awareness of sight loss.

But he said that running has given him "another opportunity to spread the word".

He previously completed the London marathon with the help of a physical guide runner - but plans on running his next with the help of a worldwide network of virtual volunteers.

He is being supported by Fight for Sight, a charity which funds research into sight loss, for which he is an ambassador…

"I'm really excited to do this," he said. "If you had told me 13 years ago that I'd be an ambassador for a major charity and I'd be inspiring visually impaired children around the world, I'd never have believed you."

And, you know, while a brand ambassador can be defined as a person hired or engaged by an organization to represent its brand in a positive light, increasing awareness, trust, and sales, a biblical ambassador is an authorized representative of Christ’s kingdom, entrusted with the message of reconciliation to the world.

Now if you think representing Christ and His kingdom to the world is the job of a few select believers, think again. When Paul said “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us,” he was making it very clear that it was the job of every believer to embody the title of ambassador and to implore others “on Christ’s behalf” to “be reconciled to God.” This means that, as Christians, we represent Jesus and His message to the world.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

Which also means that we must “be diligent” in not only studying the Word but in living out the commands contained in it. We must represent Christ in such a way that we will “not need to be ashamed” because of the way we interpret Scripture and share it with the world. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21

So, let us remember that the simple message of reconciliation has not changed in the 2,000 years since Paul wrote these words my friend. And the simple but profound and life-changing message is this… Jesus Christ forgives all those who trust in Him as Savior, “not imputing their trespasses to them.”  By His death on the cross, Jesus reconciles them back to God and makes them “a new creation.” Is that amazing or what?

Furthermore, the call for each and every believer to be an “ambassador for Christ” hasn’t changed either. Which means this “ministry of reconciliation” is the ministry of every follower of Jesus Christ. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we are to be busy going about the ministry of reconciliation. Help us to understand that being an ambassador of Jesus Christ is not an option to be considered but a command that we should be excited about! After all, this message of reconciliation has the power to change the lives of those who hear it and those who share it get the awesome blessing of seeing that power in action. Spur our hearts to be found busy. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!