Ambassador

From: Edification, Exhortation & Comfort Series By: James Nelson Hyland

• 2 min. read • grade level: 8

Admonishment to those who are heavenly citizens—Edification, Exhortation & Comfort Series #11

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ." 2 Cor. 5:20²⁰Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20)

There are three outstanding characteristics of an ambassador:

1. He represents his country in another country.

2. He takes up the interests of his fellow citizens in that country.

3. He instructs as to the requirements of becoming a citizen of his country.

This is what a believer, who is a citizen of heaven should be doing. We are, "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2:19¹⁹Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; (Ephesians 2:19). We also read in Philippians 3:20²⁰For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: (Philippians 3:20), "Our commonwealth has its existence in the heavens." (JND Translation).

First, we are here on this earth, in a foreign land, so to speak, to represent Christ and heaven. There should then be a behavior that is in keeping with this calling. If an ambassador acts in a way that disgraces his country he will be recalled. That is what is referred to in 1 John 5:16¹⁶If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it. (1 John 5:16). "There is a sin unto death." It is the recalling of the ambassador who dishonors his Savior, and has a disastrous testimony...no doubt being done only after repeated warnings and admonitions from the Lord.

Secondly, the Christian ought to have at heart the good and well being of his fellow believer. If a traveler is in difficulty in a foreign country he can go to the embassy or consulate of his nationality in that country and find help and refuge. Are we accessible to others who belong to heaven? Are we watchful for the needs of those that belong to the Lord and with whom we are "fellow citizens?"

Thirdly, an ambassador instructs those of the county he is in, as to what is required if they want to become citizens of his home country. lust so, we are here to present the gospel to those around us, and to tell others how they too can become citizens of heaven, that "better country." Hebrews 11:16¹⁶But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. (Hebrews 11:16).

An ambassador never gets involved with the political wrangling or operating of the country he is in. No, he is not a citizen, he is a foreigner, and only there temporarily as a representative. We are here to represent Christ and His interests, let us bear this in mind at all times.

"A faithful ambassador is health." Proverbs 13:17¹⁷A wicked messenger falleth into mischief: but a faithful ambassador is health. (Proverbs 13:17)

We're citizens of glory,
Yes, saints by heavenly birth;
We do not get entangled,
With the affairs of earth.

Ambassadors for Jesus,

Our Lord we represent;

We speak for Christ, and heaven,

From whence He carne and went.

Click here to show subject links in the text for more information.