Today’s scripture: 2 Cor 5:11-21 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
It’s hard to think of myself as an Ambassador. When I think Ambassador, it takes me to a time when I lived in DC and I would drive by embassy row. There would be fancy buildings with international flags flying, long stretched limos, and a sense that this is where the world comes together, with all of the different nationalities represented in such a small space.
By definition, a diplomat is someone accredited by a country as its official representative to a foreign country. A diplomat is also someone who is an intermediary, serving as someone to negotiate with, and even promote and facilitate peace.
What about a reconciler? A reconciler is one who establishes or re-establishes a close relationship. A reconciler can also be seen as a peacemaker.
Is Paul saying that this ambassador or reconciler is a representative of Christ, who helps to establish or re-establish relationship with God, in a peaceful way? Thinking about Christ’s teachings and call to discipleship, to me this sound like a good working definition of what Paul is talking about.
From verse 19:
In Christ God was reconciling the world to God, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.
As I read this, I think about how trespasses are held against people all the time by some who claim to be ambassadors of Christ. How can I be an ambassador as Paul is telling me here, without counting trespasses against others? I leave the trespasses to God. There are no caveats. There are no exceptions. It’s about God’s grace. Verse 15 tells me why:
And (Christ) died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for Christ who died and was raised for them.
Christ died for all. Not for just a few, or a certain religious sect. Let’s not forget that as we all serve as ambassadors and reconcilers. It seems to me this is as simple as the way we reflect Christ in our lives. Do I carry a message of reconciliation, conveying a welcoming relationship with God, or do I carry a message of judgment and condemnation, lacking the grace of God, the mercy of Christ, and reconciliation with God’s love and forgiveness?
Thought for the day: How have I been an ambassador and reconciler for God? Do I reflect the teachings of Jesus in the way I live my life?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.