Vocation of Reconciliation: Christ's Ambassadors

- One of the vocations God assigns to all His children (no exception) is a vocation of reconciliation. As Christ's followers (who have been reconciled to God through Christ), we are to be Christ's ambassadors/messengers. We are His representatives spreading His message of reconciliation to the world. We should take this vital job seriously with valor as though God were making His appeal (urgent request) through us. We are to implore (plead or beg for urgently) people on Christ's behalf to be reconciled to God. Can you see the sense of urgency? Tons of people die and go to Hell every day. "You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." (James 4: 14b) Are we diligently doing our job of sharing the Gospel? How are we doing with our given ministry of reconciliation? Are we representing Christ accurately as His ambassadors? Are we vocal about our faith in Jesus? "If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21) What kind of vessels are we?

- The Sinless One voluntarily became a sin offering for us so that we sinners might become sinless/the righteousness of God in Christ. When we trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we make the greatest exchange--our sin for Christ's righteousness. Our sin was laid on Christ at His crucifixion and His righteousness is imputed to us at our conversion. His verdict for us: not guilty! He vindicates us. How vast the Father's love for us is!

- Veneration and awe should characterize the believer's life in view of his/her appearance before Christ as Judge. We must help others see the need for repentance, reconciliation, and redemption. The verses right after these two verses say, "As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For He says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation." (2 Corinthians 6:1-2) Do you hear the sense of urgency? Do you receive God's grace in vain? May we share Paul's vision/resolution: "I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace." (Acts 20:24)