August 25, 2011

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” 2 Cor. 5:18-19 New American Standard

There is nothing about your life that surprises God. He is a covenant-keeping God pursuing a covenant-breaking people. He’s never worried about the miles you’ve run from Him or the miles He’s “run” after you to reconcile you Himself. In fact, all the stuff you’ve ever done ends up in Christ and you end up becoming His ambassador of grace and reconciliation. It really is amazing. What Jesus has done in you is nothing short of a radical life change. And what we discover is how throughly patient God is when it comes to wiping the slate clean and giving you a fresh start. That would be enough in itself but with God that’s just a starting point for your life. You’re His ambassador .. representing Him .. reaching out to others on His behalf .. restoring friendships .. renewing hope .. and reconnecting one distant life at a time with Jesus. It’s serious business .. a phone call .. a short note .. an unexpected interruption .. a quiet nudging of God’s Spirit directing your path to another life. It’s the same combinations that the Lord used in reaching your life. He’s not waiting around for you to find your own way home after being stranded and straining to figure life out on your own. God is reconciling the world to Himself in Christ .. and you are intimately vital in His work. He’s given you a “word of reconciliation” that can reach across a broken heart with love and forgiveness. It’s not just any love and forgiveness .. it’s Christ’s love and forgiveness. And what about you…? Your ambassadorship is a gift just like the new life He offers you in His Son. It’s the gift He’s given you in Christ … and it only takes a moment …

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.” 2 Cor. 5:20 New American Standard

Ken Chester: Grace-Gripped is sent M-F to Ambassadors of Grace scattered all over the place following Jesus (ken@priorityone.org)