Ambassadors for Jesus Christ

By Mark Veldman

(Member of the Pretoria, South Africa congregation).

An ambassador representing a foreign government and an Ambassador for Jesus Christ have much in common.

An ambassador needs tact, diplomacy, negotiation skills, the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, and an understanding of other cultures.

Lets look briefly at the history of diplomacy.  Many Kings had courts where they received and entertained foreign representatives and messengers.  There are many examples in the Bible of a messenger from a certain King delivering a message to another King (1 Kings 20:2). The word diplomat originates from the word diploma or scroll.  This was an official document, usually rolled and sealed with the King’s ring insignia impressed in red wax.. The 1863 Vienna Convention on diplomatic status, privileges and immunity, was very important in the development of diplomatic relations between countries. It still governs all protocols and roles of embassies and their relationships with host governments in the 21 Century.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, Jesus implores us to be ambassadors for him.  It is important to highlight the three main duties or roles of an Ambassador.

Firstly an Ambassador must have an intimate knowledge of his or her country.  This includes laws, economics, culture, geography, political system, constitution, and foreign and domestic policy.  The mandate for  embassy staff is to promote trade, exports,  foreign investment and tourism for their home countries. We as Ambassadors for Jesus Christ need to know the mandate of our King, the policy of his Kingdom. Christ’s foreign policy is for us and for the entire world to repent and be baptized and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).   An Ambassador in a foreign country is the Head of State’s sole representative. Christians too have the awesome responsibility of representing God and Jesus Christ on this earth.

Secondly, ambassadors must be able to represent their countries with honour and decorum. We as Ambassadors for Christ must be able to represent his Kingdom and his character. The fruit of the Spirit – peace, love, joy, self-control etc.,  must be evident in our daily lives. If we make mistakes, or sin, we have diplomatic immunity, which is the blood of Jesus Christ.  Immunity for a diplomat is a very important working tool.  It is given to protect and help him in his or her country of accreditation and is enforced by the 1863 Vienna Convention. However, we are not to abuse this immunity given to us by God.

Representatives of Jesus Christ will attract persecution, ignorance and conflict.  We represent a Kingdom which is foreign, not well accepted and may lead to conflict. This is ironical because it is a positive message of God’s government, his eternal Kingdom and a gospel  promoting peace and prosperity for all mankind.  Jesus Christ was declared persona non grata, and  murdered by the Roman government, as eventually were most of his diplomatic staff, or disciples.

Thirdly, a successful diplomat understands people and has the ability to be sensitive to the feelings of others.  A good ambassador will exercise tact – be all things to all people. Inter-cultural skills are very important for an ambassador.  A knowledge of customs, etiquette and protocol will prevent giving offence and promote friendship and acceptance. 

 In front of the United Nations building in New York there is a bronze statue of a man beating a sword into a ploughshare (Isaiah 2:4).  This will only happen when the King returns to the world to bring peace and stability to all nations.  What a privelege to have a part in this reconstruction!

Let’s be the best possible ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

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