The role of ambassador to a foreign country is a rather important one. The ambassador strives to keep good relations between his own country and that of the country they are assigned to. Because the ambassador represents the nation, ideally they should be a person of good repute and behavior, and not someone who would bring shame upon the country they represent. Would you want to be an ambassador for your country or work in an embassy somewhere around the world? Maybe a country you have always had an interest in or admired, or maybe some exotic location totally different from your own. In our New Testament Scripture today, the Apostle Paul tells us that we are ambassadors, not for some country, but for the Lord. Let’s look into this passage and see what he is talking about.
As this portion of Scripture in Paul’s second letter to the church in Corinth begins, he tells the believers that we are God’s ambassadors to the unbelieving world (vs. 20). Just as the president, prime minister, or king usually chooses their ambassadors, Jesus chose us as His representatives to others. We are His ambassadors, and our mission is clear. That mission is to bring a ministry of reconciliation to people, to mend the broken relationship between each person and God, so that they can go from being His enemy to His child. The only way to be reconciled to God is for a person to personally accept Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on their own behalf, believing that Jesus, who had never sinned, became sin for them so that they might be made righteous through Him (vs. 21).
If the relationship between two countries becomes somewhat tense and tenuous, the ambassador will relay messages to the other country’s leaders, telling them what is necessary to do if they want to heal and restore their nation’s relationship. Paul relays to us that we have a message to give the unsaved, and it is an urgent message, just like those ambassadors’ messages would be right before diplomatic ties break down. We are to plead with them to not receive the offer of God’s grace in vain (vs. 1-2).
The day is going to come when some people are going to be surprised that the doors to heaven are shut to them. On that day, Judgment Day could also be called “Too Late Day”. People will find that they have missed the opportunity for heaven. Paul quotes from Isaiah 49:8. That day is now, it is not something that should be put off. As God’s ambassadors, we are to evangelize and urge repentance because the opportunity for salvation is limited.
Depending on where one is an ambassador, the conditions might not be ideal, and as mentioned above, it could be rather tense. In the second half of our Scripture, Paul describes the trials that we, as God’s ambassadors, may have to face from the world because of our faith and mission (vs. 3-10). He also urges us to keep our behavior above reproach and righteous (vs. 3). Needless to say, ambassadors are to live above reproach, as they represent their nation. They shouldn’t be drunks, or out getting high. They shouldn’t be breaking the law or live like reprobates. As Christians representing God, neither should we.
As God’s ambassadors to a hostile world, Paul describes some harsh things we might have to endure. We may have to endure tribulations, needs (when our provisions may be scarce), distress, stripes (physical abuse), imprisonment, tumults (disturbances, instability), labors, sleeplessness, and fastings. It isn’t likely that God’s ambassadors will get rich if they are truly and faithfully representing Him and His Word. They may even die while on duty. However, through all of this we must remain steadfast, trusting the Lord Jesus to sustain us through each trial.
Even while going through all of this, our behavior as ambassador is to be above reproach. We are to show patience and long suffering, remain pure, and show kindness and love. When we are dishonored, we give back honor. When the enemy gives a bad report on us, our life should instead reflect a good report. When they act with deception, we act in truth. We may be chastened, our circumstances may be sorrowful, but in Jesus we can rejoice. We may have very little, even nothing in this world, but we know that we possess heavenly riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
In closing, if you have accepted the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior, you are His ambassador to this lost and sinful world, and your assignment is to spread the Gospel. Remain steadfast and trust in God’s power to sustain you, even in the face of adversity. Our assignment is urgent! There is no time to waste, so go forth and share the message of reconciliation and salvation!
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