p. 743 | An Ambassador by T. E. Bowen

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Dec 9, 1913

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 40, No. 47.

An Ambassador

By T. E. Bowen

THE greatest trust that can be conferred upon a citizen, aside from being chosen as chief magistrate, is to be sent forth as an ambassador to represent the government—the whole people of his country—at some foreign court.

This official messenger, or representative, must deport himself in a very discreet manner upon all occasions. He can not talk as he may choose. He must select his words. Upon what he says, his whole country is judged; for he represents his fellow countrymen, and it is taken for granted that what he says, represents the sentiments of the people who sent him out as their ambassador.

His country may wish to convey a very important message to the country where he has been sent. The message must be transmitted through the ambassador. Nothing can be

added to or detracted from it. Faithfully he is to deliver it as sent to him. Whatever his personal views, the ambassador is expected to say what the country in its official message says. And, further, before expressing himself upon any important movement in the country where he is, he must await instructions from home.

With these thoughts in mind, the following scripture stands forth with peculiar impressiveness as to the high calling of that man or woman who has from above been born into the kingdom of God's dear Son:

"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we [such ones as described above] are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Cor. 5: 17-20.

Heavenly ambassadors for Christ, to reconcile sinners to God! Representing Christ's heavenly country, speaking for Him, living in this world as representatives of that peaceful land! Can the mind conceive of a greater calling, or a higher mission? But to be such an ambassador means a daily giving up of self and following in the footprints of the One who was “meek and lowly in heart,” and who, although the Son of the Highest, “pleased not Himself,” but “learned . . . obedience by the things which He suffered.”

Every truly converted believer in Jesus is called to be an ambassador, sent forth into the world to represent God—His love, His kindness, His mercy—even as Christ Jesus the Son was sent forth. “As My Father hath sent Me [into the world], even so send I you.” John 20: 21. A wonderful trust! The bestowing of great honor, upon the servant who is truly to serve as an ambassador of Christ! T. E. BOWEN.