Who are you Reppin'?

Our earthly identity is shaped by our biology, our family history, our experiences - and much of the time - our misconceptions, and skewed perceptions of ourselves, and of others. However, our spiritual identity, is - or rather, should be - directly influenced and built upon who Yahweh sees us as.

In this study we will be exploring the concept of believers being 'Ambassadors' for Christ, and for the Kingdom of Heaven. In the turbulent and dark days in which we live, the concept of being ambassadors has a direct influence on how we should be living our lives. How we engage with the concept, impacts on our present lives, how we treat others and our eternal future.

Ambassadors play an important role in international trade, diplomacy and foreign relations with other nations. They are a representation of a nation or kingdom. They are acting in the stead of their head of state - when they say something, propose something, or declare something - it is as if the ruler of that nation/kingdom has said it themselves.

So let's get stuck in shall we???

So what does that mean for us as believers in Jesus???

In the Hebrew language there are several words that were used to denote the position of ambassador (as well as envoy or diplomat). These were:

• melits - which refers to an 'interpreter'.

• tsir - denotes a person who is sent on an errand.

• malak - is a person bearing a message.

In these terms we see distinct patterns. A pattern of behaviour, a pattern of thought, and a pattern of purpose. The writers of the New Testament would have been very familiar with these terms, from their own understanding of the Old Testament scriptures, as well as the geo-political situation that existed in 1st Century within that region. We see the echoes of this in the following scripture passages:

• 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." - we are to serve as interpreters of God's Word for those who do not understand (so we are 'melits').

• Matthew 28:18-20 -"Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - as Christians this is our errand (so we are also 'tsir').

• 2 Timothy 4:2 - "Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favourable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching." - our message is the salvation that is found through Jesus Christ, as shown in the living word of Yahweh (so we are now 'malak').

It is in this context that we find several of clear examples in the New Testament where Paul identifies himself, and fellow believers as 'Ambassadors' for Christ. Paul also noted that with the identity of 'Ambassador' comes specific roles and responsibilities.

So let's have a look at what Paul has to say...

In 2 Corinthians 5:20-21, Paul states "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him."

• In these verses, Paul directly identifies the believer as an ambassador for Christ. He even goes on to add that it is as though God is 'pleading' (or speaking) through us to others, who are not believers. Thus fulfilling the role denoted in the Hebrew term 'malak'.

• Thus, one of the main roles that we have as ambassadors to Christ, is to share with others his grace, mercy and forgiveness. To guide them to a place where they come to believe in the eternal salvation provided by Jesus, through his death and resurrection.

• So that all of us can become righteous in the eyes of God.

• This is a restorative role. A role that aids the Kingdom of God in restoring the relationship humanity once had with Yahweh. A relationship that He seeks to have with us - for eternity. In this aspect of the role we fulfil the Hebrew term 'tsir'.

In Ephesian 6:18-20, Paul adds an extra elements to the discussion when he said, "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

• Ambassadors always have a channel of communication open with the leaders of their nation/kingdom. They need to know what to say, or how to act based on the will of that leader. Paul identifies that maintaining a channel of communication as one of the key responsibilities of a believer being an Ambassador for Christ.

• To maintain our communication with Yahweh, we need to be praying in the spirit. Praying for guidance for ourselves, and praying for fellow believers and the mission that Yahweh has proved to them.

• Paul also makes a statement about how we hopes that he is given the words to speak boldly, so that he can share with others the 'mystery of the gospel'. This too should be our desire.

• In these verses, Paul's instructions to believers bear the weight of all three Hebrew terms - we are called to interpret the Word of God (melits), we are to teach the Word of God (malak and tsir), and we are to spread the Word of God (malak and tsir).

• Then as these verses end, Paul identifies himself as being an Ambassador for Christ - however, he adds that he is doing this in chains. Meaning that because he is being held prisoner for his faith, and because of his role as Ambassador for Christ.

• Paul's statement about being held captive for his faith, serves as an important signpost for each of us.

• The first signpost is one of warning...it shows that our enemy - the Satanic forces of evil - who rule this world, do not honour our allegiance to Christ. He is prepared to chain up, and even destroy the lives of those who stand as ambassadors for the Kingdom of Heaven.

• The second illuminates a choice. Our choice....Are we prepared to be imprisoned, tortured and perhaps even killed for our faith? In the western church, I am afraid that many "believers" will not be able to face that choice. We have become too soft in our comfortable churches, with their hour and a half of spiritual entertainment and social time. Many people were willing to lose their jobs and their livelihood over a recently imposed medical procedure - are we...are they...willing to do the same because of their faith? Are we, are they willing to walk away from job security, their mortgages and their car payments, if their place of employment begins to enforce the worldly paradigms that are so distinctly ungodly in their character. Or do we , do they compromise and give in because it is all too hard, and we western Christians enjoy our comfort too much? It is food for thought?

• The time of choice is already upon us, as we are seeing business men and women being removed from positions, just because their conservative Christian beliefs do not follow the worldly paradigms that are flooding the media, the school system and our governments. The cost of being Christ's ambassadors is already being felt by millions around the world, it is a debt that the western church will have to pay as well.

Furthermore, when you are an ambassador, wherever your embassy is - that is the sovereign territory of your nation/kingdom. For Christians, that is Holy Ground, it marks the presence of the Kingdom of Heaven. This is ever the more evident when we carry around with us the Holy Spirit. Wherever we walk, wherever we go, we are taking holy ground with us.

But....are we actually living as the Ambassadors of the Kingdom of Heaven?

When people see us, and the lives that we live - do they see the image of Jesus Christ, a reflection of his love, grace, mercy and sovereignty?

Or....

When people see us, and the lives we live - do they see a reflection of themselves and the world's attitudes, perspectives and values?

In his letter to the church in Rome, Paul exhorts the believers in Romans 12:2, by saying - "Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."

• If an ambassador ignores the will of their leader/ruler, and begins to speak and act like those whose country/kingdom in which they are present, then they are seen to be ineffective. Their focus has shifted from that of their homeland, and towards the other nation/kingdom.

• In the spiritual realm, there are only two kingdoms. One is the Heavenly Kingdom ruled by Yahweh. The other is the Kingdom of Darkness ruled by Satan. We can only ever belong to one - we cannot serve two masters...EVER!!!

• So, when it is hard for others to see Christ in us, because our attitudes, opinions, thoughts and behaviours reflect the Kingdom of Darkness rather than the Kingdom of Heaven - why should they listen to us???

• Paul exhorts the believers in Rome not to copy the behaviours and customs of Rome. But instead, they need to let Yahweh transform them (through the work of the Holy Spirit) into a new person - one who has had their minds and thinking turned away from the darkness towards the truth and light of His will for our lives - "which is pleasing and perfect"...

• Paul is saying - "Dare to be different from the world. Dare to reflect the Kingdom of Heaven in all that you do and think!!!" - we should expect the same for ourselves.

By fulfilling our mandate and responsibilities as Ambassadors of Christ, we will one day hear the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21a)...

I pray - May Yahweh give you the strength, wisdom and guidance to be ambassadors for His kingdom. May you be sent to a place where you will bear much fruit. May all hindrances be lifted from your path, so that you experience the fulness of Yahweh's will for your life. May you speak and live boldly. And may you be blessed by Yahweh as you step forward in obedience to His will !!!!