Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Ephesians 6: 19-20 [NIV]
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 [NIV]
In the political world in which Paul found himself, an ambassador was not usually a professional diplomat but someone who was simply prepared to travel in order to represent their government or community. They would carry a message and express the views of those how had sent them. They would embody the interests of the sending power and negotiate on its behalf. Their job was to communicate a message often in foreign territories. The heart of the role was representation.
Twice Paul refers to himself as an ambassador. He is an ambassador ‘for Christ’ in 2 Corinthians 5: 20 and ‘of the gospel,’ in Ephesians 6: 19-20. After his Damascus experience, Paul spent much time travelling where the gospel was not known and appealing to people to be reconciled to God. By using the title ‘ambassador,’ Paul is claiming to represent Jesus Christ. As Paul uses this image he doesn’t draw attention to himself but to the appeal he is commissioned to give. What is of most importance is the message not the messenger, and the message is not for a select group but for all.
Reflection: What is the message that Jesus has entrusted to you? How is it communicated in your life? To whom?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you the Lord of history want to communicate yourself and your message of transforming love through me. Help me to articulate your good news clearly in my words and deeds today and every day. Amen.
Hannah Mears
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