Of all the categories of US ambassadorships, there is one that sounds remarkably like the one conveyed upon every follower of Jesus. It is ‘Ambassador Extraordinary,’ defined as: an individual who is the highest-ranked diplomatic minister going on a special mission. The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5, says: “So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, ‘Come back to God!’” I see no more ‘special mission’ than that of pleading for the return to God of lost men and women. And what a high privilege! Becoming a US Ambassador Extraordinary is a ponderous process. First, the educational aspect, then the character testing, the diplomacy skills, the appointment itself by the President, then ratification by the Senate. It is a long, slow, deliberately intense series of steps. Becoming a Kingdom Ambassador Extraordinary is greatly pared back, requiring only allegiance to Jesus and his love mission to the world (can you say, with me, steep learning curve?). No further prepping or vetting, no interviews, no higher education demands, no waiting period. Chosen, commissioned, sent. All in a single swoop. A weighty, learn as you go, honor, this ‘speaking for Christ!’
It may be out of their recognition of our instantaneous acquisition of an ambassador’s role that the New Testament writers penned their pleadings to the church to leave behind old ways, to put on the mind of Christ, to arm themselves with God’s armor. The admonitions were far-reaching, difficult, unwieldy, blatantly counter-cultural, solemn, and yes, urgent. The church’s health and longevity depended on the humble obedience of her ‘ambassadors.’
The ministry of the Holy Spirit, too, was vital in the early days of the church. Another learning curve for new believers, this ‘hearing’ and ‘leaning on’ an indwelling Divine Assistant. Such unheard-of practices! So many collisions with unruly flesh! But so much indescribable joy with each success, each blockage happily resolved!
Two thousand years on, the church’s health and longevity still depend on the humble obedience of her ambassadors. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is still vital. Despite many resistances, there is still so much joy at each Kingdom success, each individual who ‘comes home to the Father.’
Isn’t it incredible? The Word of God has not changed. We, today, are his Ambassadors Extraordinary on special mission for the Father Himself. Sense any resistance? That’s God’s invitation colliding with flesh. Sense fear? God’s got you. Sense inferiority? That’s the enemy’s desperate lie to hold you back. Sense futility? That’s the enemy again frantically attempting to keep you under his thumb. Sense excitement? Now you’re cooking with gas! That’s the Holy Spirit nudging you out the door. Looking forward to seeing all you Ambassadors Extraordinary tomorrow, 10 AM, 4 PM FR. PD
