Twice
in Paul’s letters we find the word ambassador. In II Corinthians
5:20 the apostle tells us whom He represents: “We are ambassadors
for Christ,” while in Ephesians 6:19, 20 he gives us the
burden of his message: “the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an
ambassador in bonds.”
Paul
rejoiced in his position in the heavenlies, in Christ, but he realized that he
also held an important position on earth. As Christ had once
suffered and died in Paul’s stead, Paul now rejoiced in his commission to
stand before the world in Christ’s stead, pleading with men to be reconciled
to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (KJV) Now then we are
ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in
Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
The
world would not have Christ, so Paul, who had once so bitterly persecuted Him,
went forth in His stead, with an offer of grace and peace. If Christ was willing
to delay the judgment of the nations and remain an exile from the world which
was His by right, Paul was more than willing to represent Him here. He counted
it all joy to suffer in the flesh and fill up that which remained of the
afflictions of Christ. He considered “the fellowship of His sufferings” a
great privilege and a great honor (Col. 1:24; Phil. 3:10).
Yes,
Paul was in Christ, but Christ was in Paul too,
pleading with sinners to be reconciled to God through His merits. And the
position that was Paul’s as the ambassador of Christ is our position too.
In
fathomless love and mercy our blessed Lord has delayed the judgment of His
enemies for more than 1900 years while He still remains an exile. As the
world’s rebellion continues He still leaves us, His ambassadors, here to offer
terms of peace to all who will accept them. And what terms! “The
forgiveness of sins according to the riches of His grace!” “Peace through
the blood of His Cross!”
Still
the world blasphemes and despises this wonderful Savior, but He no
longer bears the suffering. The time of His sufferings is past. It is given to us,
His ambassadors, to fill up that which still remains of His afflictions. Thus
the apostle declares: “For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ,
not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Phil. 1:29). And
notice what Paul adds to these words: “Having the same conflict which ye
saw in me, and now hear to be in me” (Verse 30).
