We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors . . . . We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20
Competition in the internet age has become fierce. Increasingly, companies are developing creative ways to attract customers. Take Subaru vehicles, for instance. Subaru owners are famously loyal, so the company has invited “Subbie superfans” to become “brand ambassadors” of the vehicles.
The company’s website says, “Subaru Ambassadors are an exclusive group of energetic individuals who volunteer their passion and enthusiasm to spread the word about Subaru and help shape the future of the brand.” The company wants Subaru ownership to become a part of people’s very identity—something they’re so passionate about that they can’t help but share.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul describes a different “ambassador” program, one of inviting others to follow Jesus. “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others” (v. 11). Paul then adds, “He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 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” (vv. 19–20).
Many products promise to meet deep needs, to give us a sense of happiness, wholeness, and purpose. But only one message—the message of reconciliation entrusted to us as believers in Jesus—is truly good news. And we have the privilege of delivering that message to a desperate world.
Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-20(NIV)
The Ministry of Reconciliation
11 Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 12 We are not trying to commend ourselves to you again, but are giving you an opportunity to take pride in us, so that you can answer those who take pride in what is seen rather than in what is in the heart.13 If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.15 And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.
16 So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 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.
INSIGHT
- What do you think of the idea of being an ambassador for Jesus?
- How can you practically live out that calling?
Second Corinthians 5:18–19 speaks of Jesus’ commission to reconcile us to God through His death and resurrection and our commission as His representatives. God took our sins and placed them on the sinless Christ and imputed His righteousness to us (v. 21; see Romans 3:23–26; 4:22–25). Paul said that our commission flows from Jesus’. God has given us “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). He’s “given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives” (vv. 19–20 the message). Our mission is the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). We’re Christ’s “witnesses, telling people about [Him] everywhere” (Acts 1:8 nlt).
PRAYER
Dear Jesus, thank You for inviting me to be an ambassador for You. In Your name, I pray. Amen!!
Read: 2 CORINTHIANS 5:11-20 (NIV) | Bible in a Year: PSALMS 97-99; ROMANS 16
