Ambassador for Christ

  Intermittently we are looking at our titles or designations in Scripture.  Another is "Ambassador for Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:20).  There are several layers of meaning to the idea of being an ambassador.  An ambassador, by definition is a high-ranking diplomat sent by one country to another person or country as a representative.  In the case of the U.S. the President sends an ambassador to every country with which we have diplomatic relations.  That ambassador represents the President. When s/he goes to see, for example, the President of France, it is as if the President of the U.S. walked into the room. That is the type of authority that an ambassador carries.
  We are Christ's ambassadors.  When we walk into a room it is as if Christ himself has entered. Our behavior and words represent Christ.  That is a lot of authority.  Paul says the message we have been given is the message of reconciliation.  Christ is reconciling the world to himself and he has chosen us to get that message across.  Therefore, we are ambassadors of reconciliation, speaking to all people everywhere about being reconciled to God.  It is an important message which needs to be heard by everyone.
  Wherever we go we are always "on."  We are always acting as Christ's ambassador.  There are no days off, no after-office hours when we do not represent Christ.  Having chosen to follow Jesus, we follow him at all times and in all places.
  For Reflection:  Do I know my stature as an ambassador?  How well have I represented Christ this week?
  Let us pray.  Jesus, I want to represent you well as your ambassador. Help me to walk in your authority and with your love in all the places and to all the people where you send me.  Keep my heart open to always sharing your message of reconciliation to the Father.

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