Paul's Ambassadorship!

An ambassador is an individual chosen to be the diplomatic representative of one country to another. This ambassador is TO REPRESENT not their own personal interests, but those of the place from which they were sent. This is how Paul viewed his ministry. He had been given by Christ the "ministry of reconciliation" ( 2 Corinthians 5:18) in which he had been entrusted with "the message of reconciliation" ( 2 Corinthians 5:19), but THE FOCAL POINT of his ministry and message where CHRIST through Whom God provided the means of reconciling (bring back into a peaceful and harmonious relationship) the world to Him.

Therefore Paul stated. . .
"Therefore, WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, GOD MAKING HIS APPEAL THROUGH US. WE IMPLORE YOU ON BEHALF OF CHRIST, BE RECONCILED TO GOD." ( 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV)

Though the appeal was made by Paul, it was actually GOD'S APPEAL. Paul was simply GOD'S REPRESENTATIVE in bringing the terms of peace found only in Christ Jesus to those whom he taught. It was ON BEHALF OF CHRIST Himself that Paul implored those who heard his message to come back to God. That is why among the Corinthians Paul sought to only proclaim Jesus Christ and Him crucified. ( 1 Corinthians 2:2) Paul did not want the focus to rest on himself. It was JESUS CHRIST HE REPRESENTED. Salvation and peace were only possible based on the terms of the relationship with Jesus.

Let us continue to view Jesus in this way as we also try to turn the attention of those around us TO JESUS, the only One through Whom we have access to the Father ( John 14:6) and are delivered from the wrath of God. ( Romans 5:9) May we help others come to understand the INTEREST CHRIST has in them. He revealed the sincerity of that INTEREST by giving His life on the cross so that we could be save through Him. Praise God for those terms of peace in Christ.

Have a great day ACKNOWLEDGING CHRIST'S INTERESTS IN US AND OTHERS!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Reconciliation