Nougat 6

Today’s Holy Nougat reminds us of our role as diplomatic partners with Jesus.

“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Generally speaking, we don’t hear/see ambassadors committing themselves in their host country. And when/if they do, it gets handled by their own government. If we consider ourselves ambassadors of Jesus Christ, we recognize that we do not seek to commit ourselves in this ‘host’ country. Thus when we speak for Christ’s country – the divine Promised Land – we speak with a clear conscience, inviting others to seek citizenship here.

Also, it is worth noting that ambassadors are expected to speak on topical issues on behalf of their nation, especially in the public fora where they gather with other government representatives. Speaking for Jesus as an ambassador thus means that it’s not so much *OUR OPINION* that is espoused, but Christ’s. So we must be versed not only on the Word of God, and on Jesus, our sovereign.

For whom do we speak on the ‘little things’ that matter to God? And do our actions reflect it?

As one who works in a space replete with Missions to the UN and other such bodies, I’ve also noted that the cadre of diplomatic staff usually work together, with different people assuming different areas of specialization. Thus, one speaks on trade, another on migration, climate, gender etc. That’s like us operating in the various spiritual gifts, as one individual does not manifest ALL gifts at all times. So the gifts that we have, alongside our prayer life, contribute to our witness ie our testimony in public spaces.

Are we using our gifts or leaving them dormant?

Ultimately, our core role as ambassadors is not simply representation. It is also caring for citizens and helping repatriate former citizens. Or as our nougat says, we tell them to come back to God. Our job is *not* visa issuance, as all humanity has original citizenship by virtue of our being created by God. Some of us just haven’t realized it yet. And by our Love, in word and deed, our ambassadorship invites others back.

Let’s let Love lead our diplomatic relations today.

—

May all we seek be found in Christ