2 Corinthians 5:20-21 – 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.

Paul’s role in the divine plan of reconciliation led him to a remarkable claim. He and his company were Christ’s ambassadors. When Paul spoke the message of reconciliation, it was as though God were making His appeal through him. Rather than speaking directly to the nations of earth, God ordained that human spokespersons would speak for Him. As an apostle, Paul had authority to lead and guide the church. Yet, this description applies to all who have shared the gospel of Christ to others. Though we may not present the gospel as perfectly as Paul did, we do speak on God’s behalf when we bring the message of grace to others. If you believe in Jesus as your personal Savior, then you also are an ambassador for Christ. An ambassador is a minister of state, one who represents his own ruler in a foreign land. Your ruler is Christ and you are to be representing Him to others and encouraging them to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. To be “in Christ” is to be joined with Him in His death and resurrection and thus to receive the full benefits of His salvation. Through the help of the Holy Spirit, you can be a part of increasing Gods kingdom.

Challenge:

Has Jesus blessed your life by reconciling you to the Father? Do you know the peace of God through a committed life of obedience and faith? The Lord Jesus has brought God near to you through His work on the cross and through your trusting in Him who died in your place. There are people around you that need to be brought to God so they can be saved and have their sins forgiven. Your challenge this week is to bring God closer to those around you that are far from God. Your presence can be a huge part of showing someone how wonderful it is to have a life that is secure in Christ. Let them know how simple it is to have their faults erased and have their future secured by walking with God and living for Him. Tell them how much God has loved on you and how He has used you to be a blessing to others. Remember this, you may be the one person in your friends life that God will use to show them His amazing love. You may be used by God to lead a total stranger into God’s family and help them to have all their mistakes erased. What a wonderful opportunity that would be for you. May God bless you.