Christ's Ambassadors

We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God." —2 Corinthians 5:20

There are amazing things here. One is that God stoops to use people as his agents, not angels. Believers in Jesus are his ambassadors! But even more amazing is this: Look at who is doing the pleading! It should be the offender who makes a plea to be forgiven. It should be the debtor who asks for release from his debt. Instead, it is as though God the Father and Christ the Son are getting on their knees, stooping down and pleading for rebels to put aside their rebellion. What a God of grace we have! Let us not resist him when he comes and knocks on the door of our hearts and asks us to be his representatives sharing the desire of his heart that no sinner should perish.

After World War I, the Arabs in Palestine and British soldiers of occupation were mortal enemies. One of the British soldiers, a devout Christian, visited the grave in Jerusalem where the body of Jesus is said to have been laid. As he approached the tomb, he was startled to see, just inside the opening, a tall Arab soldier with his hands folded in deep meditation. The British soldier waited, not wishing to intrude and not knowing what might happen next. When  the Arab soldier turned to leave the tomb, their eyes met. The Englishman extended his hand and spoke one word, Jesus. The Arab took his hand and responded with the Arabic equivalent of Jesus. It was a warm, lingering handshake. Not a further word was spoken. Both men realized that they were brothers, sons of the same Father, and servants of the same Master. Jesus turns enemies into friends!

So then, let us remind ourselves of the hymn....

1."I am a stranger here, within a foreign land, my home is far away, upon a golden strand.
Ambassador to be of realms beyond the sea, I'm here on business for my King. 

2. This is the King's command: That all men everywhere
Repent and turn away from sin's seductive snare.
That all who will obey with Him shall reign for aye,
And that's my business for my King.

3. My home is brighter far Than Sharon's rosy plain
Eternal life and joy throughout its vast domain. My Sovereign bids me tell
how mortals there may dwell And that's my business for my King.

Refrain:
This is the message that I bring, A message angels fain would sing:
"O be ye reconciled" 
Thus saith my Lord and King, "O be ye reconciled to God."

Red Psalter Hymnal 1934, p.395
E.T. Cassel and Flora H. Cassel
Hope Publishing Co., Owner