Three Benefits of Being Ambassadors for Christ
Anthony Morgan left the Secretary of State’s office with a bounce in his steps. He could hardly wait to get in touch with his wife and give her the great news. He had been chosen to be the United States Ambassador to Glokwando. He would be representing his beloved country to the government of this far away land.
He and his family would live in the American Embassy in Glokwando. A beautiful, almost palatial complex from which he could conduct his business.
Now there was much work to do. He would have to learn the language and study the culture of these people. But more importantly, he would have to fully understand the mission. He would want to represent his country in an honorable way, so Anthony would need to study to be certain that he understood the United States position in dealing with these people.
The rules of engagement. The history of the relationship between the countries. And most importantly, the goals of his government in performing this mission.
He would certainly expect the full backing of the United States government as he carried out his duties.
Does that sound like a terrific assignment?
Well, I have some great news for all Christians everywhere. You, too, have been chosen to be an ambassador. An ambassador for Christ – representing God’s kingdom to all the people of the earth.
After we are born again, our home country is now God’s Kingdom, not just our earthly homeland. Even though we are living on the earth, our allegiance is to One higher than the earth. Our allegiance is to our God. The Creator of all things.
As with any job, there are benefits and privileges – along with responsibilities.
To really understand this assignment, it helps to look at ambassadors in the natural realm.
First, they must be citizens of the country they represent. You wouldn’t see an ambassador of the United States being a citizen of Russia. Obviously, they must be a citizen of the country they represent. A citizen in good standing and loyal to their home country.
To be a citizen of God’s Kingdom, one must be born again. I’ve talked about that in other posts. And to be in good standing, the person must be faithful to God and to His Word.
Second, a natural ambassador must learn about his own country. The history, the laws and customs, and the philosophy – the guiding principles of that country. In order to represent his own government to another nation, he must be faithful to execute the plans assigned to him.
For instance, a Russian ambassador and a Turkish ambassador to the United States would have different agendas and different perspectives on what they want accomplished. Each would represent faithfully the desires of their own countries.
So as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom, we study His word and spend time with Him in order to represent Him well. We want His principles to be our guide for what we do.
We will get more into our mission statement later.
First let’s look at three important privileges we receive as God’s ambassadors. What can we expect as benefits?
And how do we appropriate them?
Deuteronomy 28 is a great place to start for understanding God’s promises – and even His desires for you. The first 14 verses list promises we can expect when we are faithful to the call of God. These promises are often referred to as the Abrahamic Covenant. Galatians 3:13,14 tells us that Jesus paid the way for Christians to inherit these blessings as well.
Looking at these scriptures and others, what can we expect?
First, we can expect God’s blessing upon our family.
Blessed shall be the offspring of your body… Deuteronomy 28: 4a(NASB)
The Lord will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. Deuteronomy 30:6 (NASB)
All your sons will be disciples taught of the Lord; and the well-being of your sons will be great. Isaiah 54:13 (NASB)
When we look at the faithfulness of God not only to Abraham, but also to his son Isaac and his grandson Jacob, we see the picture of God’s desire to bless our entire families. For generations to come.
Now our part of the plan is to fully invest in God’s Word and apply it to our lives.
Second, we can expect provision.
An ambassador knows that he will be supported by his home country. Usually quite lavishly. In a similar way, as God’s ambassadors, we can expect provision from Him. This is not to say that there won’t be times when our faith is stretched to receive this provision. Yet God’s provision will be there – sometimes from the most unexpected places.
The Bible is full of words promising our provision, and giving us wisdom on how to receive these natural blessings.
The Lord will command the blessing upon you in your barns and in all that you put your hands to, and He will bless you in the land which the Lord your God gives you. Deuteronomy 28:8 (NASB)
The Lord will open for you His good storehouse the heavens to give rain to your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hands. Deuteronomy 28:12 (NASB)
Philippians 4:19 And your God shall supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (NASB)
And God is able to make all grace abound to you so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed. II Corinthians 9:8 (NASB)
God’s Word is our instruction manual to let us know what we can expect, and how to appropriate His blessings.
We learn that our provision is linked with our obedience and our faith.
If you be willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land. Isaiah 1:19 (KJV)
Never does God want us to be selfish in receiving. In fact, He indicates that we reap what we sow.
Give and it will be given unto you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing shall men pour into your lap.
Now for the third benefit: protection.
A natural ambassador can expect the armies of his sending nation to promise security and safety. In a similar way, as ambassadors of Christ we can count on protection from God’s heavenly army: His angels.
A favorite reminder of this truth is found in II Kings 6:8-15
The king of Aram was attempting to conquer Israel, but Elisha the prophet had been thwarting their plans.
God had been showing Elisha what the Aramites were planning, and Elisha had been warning the Israelites. As a result, none of the evil plans were working, and the King became very frustrated. He decided to capture Elisha.
The king located Elisha in Dothan, and sent a huge army with chariots and weaponry.
Elisha’s servant woke up early and saw that they were surrounded by this evil army. Frightened, he ran to wake Elisha. They were surrounded, and there was no hope for them.
I love Elisha’s famous response.
So he answered. Fear not. More are they with us than they who are with them. II Kings 6:16 NASB
Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the servant’s eyes and he saw; and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. II Kings 6:16-17 (NASB)
Elisha prayed for God to strike the army blind – and the angels did it. Then Elisha led them away to another place where they received food and water and were returned to their own land.
Needless to say, they never came again.
This episode shows us that we are surrounded by angelic beings. We can’t see them, but when we are God’s people, we can count on them for protection.
When speaking of angels, Paul says:
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation. Hebrews 1:14 (NASB)
And there is this:
Bless the Lord, you His angels, mighty in strength, who perform His word, Obeying the voice of His word. Psalm 103:20 (NASB)
When you and I – as ambassadors – speak God’s word, we activate our angels to accomplish what God has promised. They are part of God’s plan for us and our mission.
My husband had an interesting encounter several years ago.
Distressed about some things which were happening, Mickey was walking around our den, wringing his hands and thinking. Maybe praying a little.
Suddenly he had a vision.
He saw what looked like a hockey penalty box – loaded with angels. They were sitting, watching, and waiting for Mickey to speak the Word.
As he began to speak God’s Word, they rushed out of the penalty box and started to work. He knew they were performing the Word. And he knew that the answer was coming.
And the answer did indeed come – almost immediately.
There are many examples in the Bible of angels working on behalf of God’s people. They are there for our protection and deliverance.
So as ambassadors for Christ, we can expect many benefits. We can expect blessings on our family. We can expect provision. And we can expect protection.
The word of God is filled with wisdom on how to appropriate these many benefits. As we study God’s word and apply His principles, we will see the fruit of our labor.
What does our God expect in return? As God’s ambassadors, we have a job to do.
That message is for another day.
