Christ's Ambassadors

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26. CHRIST ’ SAMBASSADORS As children of God and followers of Jesus, we have the privilege of becoming part of His kingdom.

We are part of a new kingdom, new law, new people, new habits, new life. Even as we continue to live on this pilgrimage for a little while we are called to be ambassadors of the kingdom to which we now belong.

“What does it mean to be an ambassador of Christ?” “What is the culture of the people I now represent? Am I really called to that?” – are some of the questions each needs to answer in order to find fulfillment in accomplishing God’s mission of being a living model of who Christ really is and what it means to be a member of the heavenly kingdom.

1. Who is Called to Be Arepresentative of God?

 Isaiah 43:7 Everyone who accepts to be part of His people is then called “of God”. We are children and people of God. And we are called to glorify our Creator.

In the Bible, “glory”, “name”, and “character” are used as synonyms (see Exodus 33:18-23). God is therefore revealing us that even from our creation He designed us to be representatives of His character.

2. How Can We Be True Ambassadors of Christ?

 2 Corinthians 3:18 We are transformed by what we behold. If we look unto Jesus, meditate on His character, and apply it in our own lives, we shall become more like Him.

One who is representing another person in any situation of life would seek to speak and take decisions as similarly as possible to those he/she thinks the other would take. So is when we are Christ’s ambassadors: we seek to do as Jesus would have done in our place.

To be like Jesus – how should it be like? We need to think how Jesus was.

3. Which Kind of Thoughts Would Jesus Think?

 Romans 15:5-6; Philippians 4:8 We are told to receive the same mind Jesus had (see Philippians 2:5). His thoughts were always true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy. 2 26. Christ’s Ambassadors – Menorah Mission School – 2018/2019 God wants to give us this mind. But He asks us to cooperate in this work by being careful of what we let come into us, what feeds our soul.

According to how we have fed our mind (or heart) our words and acts will flow (see Luke 6:45).

So let us watch, read, and listen only things that are equally true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous, and praiseworthy, focused on things above, no on the things of this earth.

4. Which Kind of Actions Would We Expect From Jesus?

 Luke 4:18; 1 Peter 2:9-15

Acts that enlighten and uplift the world: help to the needy, gracious and comforting words, caring for the sick, sharing wisdom… All that use the talents God has entrusted us to the blessing of humanity, those far and near.

As Christians, having received the light from Christ, our conduct should be honorable among the unbelievers, so that even if someone speaks against us because of our faith, our good works will cause them to glorify God because of us (see Matthew 5:16).

For this reason, every Christian should observe the law of the place where he/she lives, as far as it does not contradict God’s law. That would include observing traffic laws, paying taxes, and respecting authorities. Thus, we leave no alibi for others to accuse us except for our faith. This is exactly what happened to Daniel, the prophet (see Daniel 6:3-4).

5. How Would the Appearance of Jesus Have Been Like?

 1 Peter 3:3-4; 1 Timothy 2:9-10 Of a noble and simple bearing, attractive through His character, words, and actions much more than through His clothes. Our adornment should not be outward, but we should seek to adorn our character with the attributes of Jesus.

AChristian, whether man or woman, should seek to be modest and moderate, avoiding what is excessive, unnecessary, and expensive. Dressing neatly and choosing noble and simple clothes can also represent our Lord.

6. How Were Ornaments Considered in Biblical Times?

 Exodus 33:1-6; Genesis 35:1-4 After the issue of the golden calf (see Exodus 32) God rebuked the people of Israel. One specific point on which He rebuked them was in regard of their wearing ornaments.

After Dinah, daughter of Jacob, had been abused by a local man (see Genesis 34:1-2), Jacob gave the order to all those who were with him to purify themselves from what they had assimilated from the local people, foreign gods and garments. When they did so, they also gave him their earrings.

This means that they knew this was part of the problem. 26. Christ’s Ambassadors – Menorah Mission School – 2018/2019 3 They were not wearing proper garments and were wearing jewelry as local people did.

7. In Which Occasion is It Acceptable to Wear Ornaments?

 Genesis 24:22, 51-53; Isaiah 61:10 Rebekah received jewelry in preparation of her wedding, when chosen to be Isaac’s wife. The text in Isaiah implies that it is an acceptable thing for a bride to wear jewelry for her wedding. This is the only situation we find in which it is acceptable to wear ornaments.

Other than that it is described as a snare closely connected to sexual sin and/or idolatry and corruption (see Ezekiel 16:11-18; 23:37-44; Judges 8:24-27).

Appeal

He has shown us how to do it according to God’s will and not conforming to this world by being just one more like the others, but by being a model of a member of His kingdom.

Do you recognize the good influence that you can bring around you being a faithful ambassador of God?

Do you take the decision today to consecrate your mind and body to His glory, to be new, holy, happy, and serving Him?

Would you decide to leave behind all things that might misrepresent God and pray that the Lord may use you as His ambassador toward others not misleading people in their path to salvation or bring reproach to God’s reputation?