More Than Brand Ambassadors / ODB

More Than Brand Ambassadors We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors . . . . We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 READ 2 Corinthians 5:11–20 Competition in the internet age has become fierce. Increasingly, companies are developing creative ways to attract customers. Take Subaru vehicles, for instance. Subaru owners are famously loyal, so the company has invited “Subbie superfans” to become “brand ambassadors” of the vehicles. The company’s website says, “Subaru Ambassadors are an exclusive group of energetic individuals who volunteer their passion and enthusiasm to spread the word about Subaru and help shape the future of the brand.” The company wants Subaru ownership to become a part of people’s very identity—something they’re so passionate about that they can’t help but share. In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul describes a different “ambassador” program, one of inviting others to follow Jesus. “Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others” (v. 11). Paul then adds, “He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God” (vv. 19–20). Many products promise to meet deep needs, to give us a sense of happiness, wholeness, and purpose. But only one message—the message of reconciliation entrusted to us as believers in Jesus—is trulygood news. And we have the privilege of delivering that message to a desperate world. By Adam R. Holz What do you think of the idea of being an ambassador for Jesus? How can you practically live out that calling? Dear Jesus, thank You for inviting me to be an ambassador for You.

SCRIPTURE INSIGHT Second Corinthians 5:18–19 speaks of Jesus’ commission to reconcile us to God through His death and resurrection and our commission as His representatives. God took our sins and placed them on the sinless Christ and imputed His righteousness to us (v. 21; see Romans 3:23–26; 4:22–25). Paul said that our commission flows from Jesus’. God has given us “the ministry of reconciliation” (2 Corinthians 5:18). He’s “given us the task of telling everyone what he is doing. We’re Christ’s representatives” (vv. 19–20 the message). Our mission is the Great Commission (Mark 16:15). We’re Christ’s “witnesses, telling people about [Him] everywhere” (Acts 1:8 nlt). K. T. Sim