Being An Ambassador

I’ve lived near ambassadors before, but have only gotten to know one. Ambassadors are the highest ranking diplomat from a country sent to live in a place that is not their home. They represent the authority of the country they’re from and serve as a bridge between the two parties that are separated geographically, politically or on issues. They act as a direct line of communication during a crisis, create goodwill between the separated parties and helping their own citizens who are also abroad. It’s quite a remarkable role and also a huge responsibility. They are chosen based on their ability and connection to the leader. Their conduct is a direct reflection of their of their nation and affects how others perceive that nation.

In John 4 Jesus stopped in Samaria on His way to Galilee. There was hostility between the two people groups and they rarely spoke to each other. It was there at a well that He encountered a Samaritan woman and asked her for a drink. She was shocked He asked her. He then used that as an open door to build a bridge and connect her to God. After answering her questions and offering her living water, she ran back to her village as a newly appointed ambassador. “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him” (NLT). She became the one who built the bridge between her community and Jesus. The whole village began to believe once they met Jesus. She was the one most would have chosen as an ambassador but she had a heart that was willing to tell what had been done for her.

2 Corinthians 5:18 says that we have been given the responsibility and message of reconciliation to people who are not yet citizens of Heaven. Then verse 20 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!’” You and I are God’s representatives on earth. This place is not our home, but we are here to bridge the gap between the lost and God. We do that through creating a direct line to Him through prayer, living a life that points others to Him and being willing to say what He tells us to as He makes His appeal through us. Like the woman at the well, we don’t have to have everything together nor be perfect. We simply must be willing to be His ambassador wherever He has planted you.

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