peterd

Ambassadors

2Corintians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God.

Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Amen.

An ambassador is a diplomat of the highest rank; accredited as representative from one country to another. As such the ambassador speaks and acts for his government. His words and actions are fully backed by his government – he or she is thus the mouthpiece of the country they represent on foreign soil.

The ambassador has certain rights and responsibilities as determined by his government. He does the “job” at the expense of his government. Shelter, transport, food and clothing are automatically provided for under terms of his engagment. All physical needs are met from the resources of the sending authority. As representative of his government, he has the responsibility to portray all the attributes of his country and government. These responsibilities are his first tasks to perform. His personal needs and wishes are always secondary. If he should spend more time pursuing his personal wishes, he will in all likelihood be recalled and lose his position as government representative.

His government has empowered him with full authority. Any decisions he may make on behalf of his country must be backed and performed by his government. This is a highly responsible position and knowledge of what his government’s wishes are, must be first and foremost in his thinking. Constant review and study of his duties and responsibilities are necessary. The image he displays is what his country will be judged on.

Paul states that we are ambassadors for Christ. We are His representatives in this world. The world will only see Christ in our lives – WHAT IMAGE OF OUR LORD ARE WE PRESENTING?

While the image we present is important, I wish to concentrate on the authority of the ambassador of heaven and the King’s comitment to His representatives. Our King has given us the rules and responsibilities to fulfil our duty. We are not ambassadors of some earthly kingdom, but of the Kingdom of God. Jesus has all authority and we can therefore go forth to represent His Kingdom with the power of the creator of the universe backing us. As we follow the “Rule Book” and rise to stand without fear or apology as Ambassadors of Jesus; we have His promise that He will fulfill what we do, say or ask.

AS AMBASSADORS, we are to:

Carrying out the Kings Wishes

This is where the prayer life is to be followed. God, who is sovereign, has plans and purposes, but has left the job of doing it to us. For us to decide what to do and when to do it leaves us open to error. We have the Word of God, which gives us the general will of the Father; we now need to wait on the Spirit of God to tell us specifically what to do or pray for and when to do so. If we could begin to understand our position as Ambassadors of Christ we will see prayer in a different light. Instead of constantly asking for “things”; which God has promised to supply and which are automatic for the Lord’s Ambassadors, we will begin asking Him what it is we should pray for. This is in essence: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things will be supplied.” Instead of being “self-seeking” we should become “kingdom-seeking”. I think many times we lack because of self-seeking. Where God guides; He provides!

We have “Diplomatic Immunity”

A diplomat or ambassador falls under the jurisdiction of his government; even on foreign soil. Breaking of rules of the foreign government does not give that authority the right to prosecute the ambassador. We are ambassadors on foreign soil! This world is not the kingdom to which we belong – Satan is the “god of this world” – and he has no right to prosecute, persecute or harm us in any way!

I said Satan has no right – but yet he does – when we accept and allow it. What he does is illegal and we have the right and authority to rise up and resist his onslaughts. Jesus said:

Luke 10:19 Behold, I give unto you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

“Serpents and scorpions” is figurative language of what the enemy does. He “bites and stings” to cause us pain and ultimate death. Satan is subject to our authority since Jesus has all authority and he has sent us.

Dear ones, “submit yourselves therefore to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7)

Our Words and Actions are backed by Heaven

Mark 11:23 For truly I say to you, That whosoever shall say to this mountain, Be removed, and be cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he says.

Powerful stuff isn’t it? Do we believe it? Have we ever experienced it? Do we wish to experience it?

May the Lord open our eyes and empower us as His Ambassadors and witnesses to a lost and dying world – people whom Christ died for; people held captive by Satan; people who can be set free by the power of the Living God working through us.

Dear ones: Let us begin to ask God what to do and when to do it. Let us submit to God and resist the works of Satan. Let us speak forth the Word of God and see His miraculous power manifested.