Ambassadors of Christ (II)

 

What is the role of an ambassador?

.  To negotiate with the local government (the receiving State); and negotiating does not mean compromising. It means observing what are the customs and practices that are not totally opposed to ours and respecting them. An example of such negotiation is when Jesus pays the tax and request to render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's. Yet, He didn’t consider himself as a subject of Caesar. Paul gives another example of this negotiation: “For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel…” (Mat 22:17-21; 1Co 9:19-23)

.  To inform his Government by all lawful means, about the conditions and evolution of events in the receiving State. He must keep abreast of developments and the situation of the country where he is appointed to inform his own government. That is why Jesus asked us to observe the signs of the times. We need to know what is happening in the world and turn to the Heavens in prayer, to receive the appropriate answer: this is the very foundation of intercession for the nations. Indeed, when a Christian, an ambassador of the Kingdom of Heaven, learns that they are preparing to legalize abortion or gay marriage, he/she must immediately inform the Heavens and call for assistance, so that he/she may not find themselves in a situation where they will constantly have to break the laws in force in their country of residence. When there has been a natural disaster and that the people of his country of residence are suffering, he/she must go to the One who has sent them on a mission there to ask for a ‘humanitarian assistance.' Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare (Jer 29:7).

.  To promote friendly relations and develop economic, cultural, scientific and military relations between the two countries. We do so in the spirit of the above verse, because God has given us the word and the ministry of reconciliation; but without ever forgetting that we are not in an appeased situation: our Kingdom has an open conflict with the World and whose Prince is out for our destruction.

.  As a civil servant, he is responsible for ‘running’ the administration; that is: coordinating and facilitating the action of the civil services which compose the diplomatic mission of which he is the head. This is the role of local churches and various Christian organizations.

.  Finally, from time to time some highly respected individuals are appointed ambassadors at Large; with the mission to advise and assist governments on specific areas and on topics. But the Church is the pillar and the buttress of the truth (1Tim 3:15); when people are lost and have no solution, we must provide them with one: it is our mission; this is why we were sent for.

Three or four weeks ago, when I started the series on the book of Esther, I said that the Church must become militant and conquering again. She needs to reacquire the sense of mission. We have forgotten that we are ambassadors, with all that this implies as rights and duties. We have spoken about the duties; let’s say a few words on rights.

The host country typically allows the ambassador control of specific territory (an embassy) and this territory, along with the staff, and even the goods (vehicles etc.) are generally afforded diplomatic immunity in the host country. Any negative action directed at any of them is tantamount to a declaration of war. Similarly, if we were aware of our status of ambassadors, we would know that whatever belongs to us is a NO-GO ZONE to the Prince of this world. If he touches anything, our people and the heavenly hosts will intervene. But the guy has long noticed that we are not aware of what we are and are therefore not aware of our rights and duties; so he enters at will in our embassy and does what he wants. This must stop! Let us regain our place and bear in mind the sovereign interests of the Kingdom in our daily endeavours again. We are on a mission and the people of the world are looking at us to understand how things are done 'at home'. Let’s not give them a distorted image of our 'country' and our King: let us be worthy ambassadors of Christ.

May God richly bless you, Your Excellency; and see you next week!