2 Corinthians 5 (6)

Pray Psalm 97.1, 9.
The LORD reigns;
Let the earth rejoice;
Let the multitude of isles be glad!
For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.

Sing Psalm 97.1, 9.
(Darwall: Rejoice, the Lord is King)
Rejoice, the LORD is King! O earth, lift up your voice.
Be glad, you islands, shout and sing: Rejoice! Rejoice!
Refrain v. 9
Beyond, above
all gods and nations be exalted, God of love!

Read 2 Corinthians 5.1-21; meditate on verses 20, 21.

Prepare
1. How did Paul refer to us?

2. What is our mission?

Meditation
Paul was probably referring to himself, Timothy, and Titus when he said they were ambassadors for Christ (v. 20). But since he has previously instructed us to imitate him (1 Cor. 11.1), we are safe in applying this appointment to ourselves as well. We are ambassadors for Christ. We represent Him and His Kingdom. We are agents through whom God pleads with the wrong-believing world, “Be reconciled to Me!”

Christ took our sin on Himself so that we “might become the righteousness of God in Him” (v. 21). We have no righteousness of our own, only that which God credits us and works out from within us because of Jesus. We continue to sin (1 Jn. 1.8), but the forgiveness of Jesus always applies as we confess and repent (1 Jn. 1.9).

God has appointed us to the work of restoring the world Jesus has reconciled to the Father. This work begins in our own world, in all the “as you are goings” of our daily lives (Matt. 28.18-20). We plead with the lost to hear and believe the Good News. We encourage our fellow believers to grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. We order our lives, conduct our activities, and manage all our relationships, roles, and responsibilities with a view to seeing the Kingdom of Jesus come on earth as it is in heaven, in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

We are ambassadors, proud of our country, boasting of our King, and determined to bring the blessings of His Kingdom to the full extent of our active will (Dallas Willard). God is at work within us to help us fulfill this glorious appointment, so let us work hard at working out our salvation in fear and trembling (Phil. 2.12, 13).

Treasures Old and New: Matthew 13.52; Psalm 119.162.
“…as though God were pleading through us…” (2 Cor. 5.20).

Most all of us enjoy watching or participating in some sport. And all sports have someone who is calling the shots, be it football, soccer, baseball, basketball, track and field, even horse racing—a higher pay grade, as it were, masterminding the whole game. Or think of an orchestra with all its moving parts, as the conductor is controlling the entire company of musicians.

The success of each of these entities depends upon those in charge, and those who work out their instructions.

God is doing the same thing with us. But instead of our part being merely to win a game or make beautiful music, we are speaking for God and imploring others on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled to God. It is a weighty responsibility and will take much preparation, practice, and participation on our part.

Our message of reconciliation, as incredible as it seems, is true. It is the truest thing that we know. And it carries the gravitas of life and death. Here it is:

For our sinful sakes,
God made Him Who knew no sin,
to be sin for us,
and take our punishment,
that we might become through Jesus,
the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5.21).

We now carry, as ambassadors, this amazing message to all.
We run the plays, and play the notes given us by the Ultimate Coach/Conductor.
We are His mouthpiece, proclaiming The One Whom the world should worship and adore (Acts 17.22-31).

“Seek the LORD while He may be found,
call upon Him while He is near.
Let the wicked forsake his way, and
the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the LORD, and
He will have mercy on him; and
to our God, for He will abundantly pardon” (Is. 55.6, 7).

Well, you can tell the world about this
You can tell the nation about that
Tell ‘em what the Master has done
Tell ‘em that the Gospel has come
Tell ‘em that the victory’s been won
He brought joy, joy, joy, joy, joy, joy
Into my heart
(Bob Gibson/Bob Camp, 1964)
(Simon & Garfunkel)

Here’s lookin’ at us as ambassadors for Christ.

For reflection
1. Do you see yourself as an ambassador for Christ? What does that entail?

2. To whom—specific people—are you an ambassador for Christ?

3. How can believers encourage and assist one another in this high and holy appointment?

God allowed his Son to suffer as if a condemned sinner, so that we might be delivered from the penalty of our sins. This is God’s righteousness, that we are not justified by works (for then they would have to be perfect, which is impossible), but by grace, in which case all our sin is removed. John Chrysostom (344-407), Homilies on the Epistles of Paul to the Corinthians 11.5

Pray Psalm 97.4-12.
Praise God for the worldwide witness of ambassadors for Christ in every nation. Call on Him to make you faithful in this calling.

Sing Psalm 97.4-12.
(Darwall: Rejoice, the Lord is King)
His just and righteous throne ‘mid clouds and darkness stands;
His fiery wrath consumes His foes in every land.
Refrain v. 9
Beyond, above
all gods and nations be exalted, God of love!

Earth trembles at the sight of Jesus’ holy face;
the mountains melt before His might and praise His grace.
Refrain

The heav’ns above declare His glorious righteousness;
and tribes and peoples everywhere His Name confess.
Refrain

While Zion gladly sings, let all be brought to shame
who to vain idols worship bring and scorn His Name.
Refrain

All you who love the LORD, despise sin’s wicked ways!
Praise Him Who guides us by His Word through all our days.
Refrain

T. M. and Susie Moore

Two books can help you see both the greatness and the smallness of God’s salvation. Such a Great Salvation and Small Stuff will show you how to think small, live big, and know the salvation and glory of God in all your daily life. You can learn more about these books and order your copies by clicking here and here.

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Except as indicated, all Scriptures are taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. For sources of all quotations, see the weekly PDF of this study. All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter, available by clicking here.