2 Corinthians 5:20 – Who Do You Represent?

“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)

Think about what an ambassador does. They represent or promote something, a cause, a country, or an individual. As ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we act on his behalf and represent his character to the world. There’s no pressure in that at all, is there?

Context (2 Corinthians 5:11-20): There is a whole section in 2 Corinthians about being God’s ambassador. The job description exists to help us know how to take action. We are called to be sincere and bring glory to God. As representatives of the Most High, we are to treat others as Jesus himself would treat them. Sometimes finding the love we need for the unlovable can be challenging.

This verse makes me think of Jesus’ parable of the lost sheep. Remember how the shepherd will leave a flock of 99 behind to go find the one sheep that wandered off. Likewise, God doesn’t want any of his children to get lost and wander too far away.

It seems that part of our job as ambassadors is to make sure those lost souls don’t remain lost forever. Finding lost souls shouldn’t be that hard. Just open your social media feed or look on the news. Where are you feeling led to share? A college campus, a prison, a coffee shop, a shopping mall?

It doesn’t matter where we are, so long as there are people around. When we’re acting as God’s ambassadors, he never leaves us to fend for ourselves. God is always right beside you, ready to help when you call.

In Luke 11:9-10, Jesus says, “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” As Christ’s ambassadors, he reminds us to ask for what we need to do our job.

I was surprised when I read that we may have to “plead” with people to return to God. It seems that those rebelling from God are expected to dig their heels in and not always come willingly. Rather than plead, I like to think of it more like coaxing or flipping the narrative to make it their decision, realizing they can’t live without God.

God intends to use us as his representatives. What a responsibility! We shouldn’t take this assignment lightly. What actions do you need to take to help you be a better representative of Jesus? The best way I know to prepare is to spend time in God’s word, getting to know the heart of God. Take time to reflect on how the world sees you in the role of ambassador for Christ.

Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for never leaving me and always providing for my needs. May I never take you for granted. I do sometimes feel inadequate and unprepared to represent you well to those who have gone missing. Use me and equip me, Lord, I pray. Help me to set aside my weakness and rest in you and your power. I want to represent you well. In Jesus’ name. Amen.