YOUR EXCELLENCY, THE AMBASSADOR
2 Corinthian 5:16-21
(Pray) for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20
An ambassador is an official envoy, a diplomatic agent of the highest rank accredited to a foreign government or sovereign as the resident representative of his or her own government or sovereign. The primary duties of an ambassador are to represent the interest of his nation in a foreign country; promote such interests; be the voice of his nation in his country of residence; maintain diplomatic relations with the receiving state and promote foreign policy strategies.
Paul calls you the Ambassador. We can safely address you as Your Excellency, the Ambassador. Yes. That is who you are. This metaphor is rich and deep. And we will explain the position from a secular point of view to illustrate spiritual truths for us to learn a few lessons. An ambassador is not a citizen of his country of residence but a representative of his own nation. You may be in the world, but you are not of the world. And as long as you are here, you are representing the kingdom of heaven right here on earth. You are to carry yourself with the mentality, dignity and pride of the ambassador of a rich, stable and well organized kingdom. Every envoy is a reflection of the country he represents. How reflective of the kingdom of God are you?
The ambassador operates and lives by the economy of his nation and not that of his host country. For instance, it will be unheard of, for an American Ambassador in a poor nation to live in abject poverty because of his environment. No sir. He would live as if he was in America. His resources do not come from the host nation but from the country he represents. You represent a wealthy kingdom. How can you limit yourself to the factors around you? Draw your resources from your Father’s Kingdom.
Ambassadors represent the morals and values of their nations. Whenever you are, you must represent the kingdom well with sound and solid character, moral values and hard work. Paul asked the brethren to pray for him so that he could “speak boldly as I ought to speak”. Ambassadors are not timid. They are bold. They are aware of the back-up from the home country. They are not afraid to speak the mind of their nation to the country of residence. They are covered by diplomatic immunity. They cannot be arrested. Even in a state of war, they are still respected. That is who you are. Be courageous in declaring the mind of Christ whenever you are. It is your duty as His Ambassador. You have a backup in Him.
PRAYER: Dear Lord and Holy Spirit, help me to manifest in my role as your ambassador have on earth.
