Ambassadors For Christ

II Corinthians 5:20-6:10

Today’s Scripture reading comes from the Lectionary for the observance of Ash Wednesday, signaling the start of the  season of Lent, which leads to Holy Week, Good Friday, and ends with Easter or Resurrection Sunday.

As our passage from Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthian church begins, we read that as believers, we are ambassadors for Christ (vs. 20).  An ambassador is an official representative from one country to another foreign country.  An ambassador is there in the foreign country to promote diplomatic relations between the two countries, and also acts as an intermediary between people of his country in residence or traveling to the other country. The ambassador works for peace between the two nations.  As ambassadors for Jesus here on earth, we are His official representatives.  We are to lead the people we come in contact with in the world to desire a personal relationship with the Lord we represent, bringing peace between them.  Another thing an ambassador does is looks out for the best interests of his country.  As Christ’s ambassador, do we just sit back when we see or hear of Jesus being maligned, or do we stand up and take a stand for him?  Serving as Christ’s ambassador, Paul was working for others to be reconciled to God, which is what we need to be doing, as well.

In verse 21 we read a short, concise explanation of the gospel message of salvation.  God will not allow sin in His presence. Jesus took the sins of the whole world on Himself, even though He had never committed any, so that we wouldn’t have to pay the penalty for our own sins. Jesus gave His life so we could have His righteousness.  When bartering, people usually exchange goods of relatively equal value.  God gave His righteousness, which is of infinite value, for our sinfulness, which is of worthless, or no value.

Receiving God’s grace in vain is failing to use His power to live in a godly way, and persisting in our sinfulness (vs. 1).  It is also trying to earn our own salvation, even though it is freely given to us.  Another way to receive God’s grace in vain, is turning away from God through turning to false teachings. There were people, both in the Corinthian church, and in other churches at the time, that were falling victim to many false teachings being spread, such as that it is necessary to follow various traditions or religious observances in order to be saved.  Paul pleaded with them then, as God’s Word does with us today, do not let God’s Word come to you in vain.

Paul also pleaded with those who heard his message, both in Corinth, and everywhere he went, that “now is the day of salvation” (vs. 1 - 2).  He didn’t want people to put off accepting Jesus as their Savior.  That is something that we should not want anyone to do, either.  So many times, when being witnessed to, some people say that they will come to God later in their life, after they’ve done this or that, when they are older and have accomplished whatever they want to.  That’s not a wise decision to make, as we never know what a day may bring.   Tomorrow is not promised to us.  In light of that, one should never put off a decision to accept God’s salvation!  How tragic to have put off that decision one day too many, for after death it will be too late, and you find yourself eternally lost!

As Paul knew, every day non-Christians are observing us (vs. 3).  We must not let a careless or undisciplined action lead others to reject Jesus Christ.  As our passage closes, we are reminded that when we suffer and are inadequate, we show our dependence on God.  As His ambassadors, we should not spend time pursuing worldly happiness, riches, or power.  They will not bring contentment.  We already possess these things through our relationship with Jesus.  His presence will give us the joy and power we need to face anything. Paul, the apostles, and so many Christians who have gone before us were faithful to God whether people praised them or condemned them.  Be firm and stand true to God, refusing to compromise.


I pray that you have enjoyed and benefited from these Bible meditations that I have written for this blog.   I hope you will prayerfully consider donating as the Lord might lead you.  This blog is not run through a large ministry with a wide funding base. I am an individual with limited financial resources. Thank you and God bless.