Ambassadors and Embassies

  "Pray for me, . . . that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains," is the earnest request of Paul to the community in Ephesus (Ephesians 6:20).  Typically an ambassador lives in an embassy.  When you enter a U.S. embassy anywhere in the world you are on U.S. soil.  American citizens can seek asylum there.
  Ambassador Paul, who represented the Kingdom of God,  was not living in an embassy however.  In fact, he was living in a prison under Roman guard.  Still he knew that he was an ambassador for Christ.  You might say he carried his "embassy" with him.  Wherever he was, there was Christ, there was the Kingdom of God.
  It is the same for us as Christian ambassadors.  Wherever we are, there is Christ, there is the Kingdom of God.  Wherever we live is the embassy of the Kingdom of God.  Whenever people enter our home, they are on the soil of the Kingdom of God.
  For Reflection:  Do I realize that I carry Christ and the Kingdom wherever I go?  Do I always act like I carry Christ with me?  What kind of shape is my embassy in?  If the King were to visit, would I be proud to welcome him in?
  Let us pray.  Jesus, we pray for all those who are serving as your ambassadors where it is dangerous to do so.  We ask that they confidently proclaim your name even though they may be serving you in chains.  We trust that they will still be able to share your message of reconciliation and peace.

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