2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be you reconciled to God. I. THE OFFICE IN WHICH THE MINISTERS OF CHRIST APPEAR. 1. An ambassador holds an office of distinguished honour. He represents the king who sends him. Ambassadors may, or they may not, be talented men. It may be of importance to the sovereign that they should be so; but they are not to be respected for their talents, but for their office, and any disrespect shown them in a foreign court is levelled at the office. Now all this is true of the ministers of Christ. Christ accounts every kindness shown to them as shown to Him, and every unfriendly act towards them as done to Him. Talents and piety commend ministers; but it is their office which is the ground of their honour. 2. The ambassador's is an office of important trust. They are not sent to make laws, but simply to convey instructions. Now the apostle says that he was "put in trust with the gospel," and God "requires in stewards that a man be found faithful." They have, therefore, simply to deliver that to the people which they have received of the Lord Jesus. 3. This office is one requiring great skill, diligence, and labour. What tact, and ingenuity, and application does it often require to conduct the king's business at a foreign court! And oh! how much more to negotiate the affairs of Christ's kingdom among them! "Who is sufficient for these things?" "To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews," etc. II. THE OBJECT AT WHICH THEY AIM — that men may be reconciled to God. III. THE MESSAGE THEY HAVE TO DELIVER. 1. It is free. 2. Full. 3. Final. IV. THE MANNER IN WHICH THEIR OBJECT IS TO BE PROSECUTED. Not by compulsion, not by punishment, but "we pray you" — "God beseeches you by us." 1. Such a mode answers to the character of God and His gospel. "God is love"; His gospel is "goodwill toward men." Methinks it is very easy to be reconciled to love. 2. The method corresponds with the character of man. Men are more easily drawn than driven. Love wins the heart, when terror would often drive it away. (J. Sherman.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. |
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