“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” – 2 Corinthians 5:20 NLT
Most countries have embassies and ambassadors in their governmental structure where someone is sent on behalf of the country to another region to present their country in good light amongst other duties. We see something similar and even more powerful in our anchor scripture where the believer is called an ambassador of Christ.
What does this mean? As an ambassador of Christ, responsibility has been placed on you to be a representative of Christ on the earth primarily through the preaching of the Gospel. However, there is something else which you may have missed in 2 Corinthians 5:20, our work as ambassadors does not end because Jesus Christ’s sacrifice was for all of mankind (John 3:16). So we will keep preaching until all men receive the Gospel (1 Timothy 2:4). Consequently, this has some implications for believers in our approach to evangelism.
Firstly, we must have a tactical approach to evangelism. According to research, only one-third of the world’s population are Christians. This means that we need to think of ways and strategies for us to reach the unreached with the Gospel.
This translates to conventional ways like one-on-one evangelism, praying for more men to receive the Gospel and for more missionaries to take up the burden of going to remote regions where the Gospel is currently alien. You also have the responsibility of partnering with your resources to reach these places.
It also refers to ‘unconventional’ ways like being open to positions of influence, looking out for creative outlets for the Gospel, and taking strategic steps to take the mountains of influence, all so that more people can be reached with the Gospel’s message. God wants all men to be saved and this must drive us to think of ways to reach all men (1 Timothy 2:4, 1 Corinthians 9:20-23).
Secondly, this means that we have to be driven by love. It is possible to see people far gone without Christ and think they are past redemption but the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 tells us otherwise. That parable is one of the many astounding examples aimed at describing the love of God towards mankind, unwavering and tenacious (Romans 5:6-8). It also shows an example of how our attitude should be towards others.
We must be unwaveringly driven by love to reach all, no matter the challenges, just like Jesus (Philippians 2:5). No matter how irredeemable someone looks, have in mind that this is someone Christ died for and let that drive you to pray, love and preach the Gospel to such a person.
Lastly, we need to approach this with urgency. Knowing that it is God’s desire that all men be saved and that the world is coming to a sure end should drive you to bring as many as you can to eternity with God. Like Charles Spurgeon said, “If sinners perish, let them perish with our arms wrapped about their knees, imploring them to stay”.
DO THIS: Take out time to reflect and think of ways by which the Gospel will get to the ends of the earth with your active participation.
Bible Reading Plan: Proverbs 1-3