March 14 – Representing Christ to Others

In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting people’s sins against them. He entrusted the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:18,19

Paul says we have been given a message to pass on to others as Christ’s ambassadors, His representatives. We’re called to represent Christ with our lives - our words and deeds.

For he would make his invitation through us – “Come back to God” - or simply “Come to church to me.” That invitation is what Jesus is talking about in the gospel.

Jesus’ audience was made up of two distinct and probably opposing groups. In one group are those of doubtful reputation - the kind you wouldn’t meet in the local synagogue - often referred to as sinners - meaning they weren’t welcome there. The other group is made up of folks who sat up front in the synagogue - the Pharisees and the Bible students. They grumbled that Jesus hangs out with these sinners and treats them like old friends. Jesus wanted to reconcile those two groups - bring them together. So he told them a story - a parable in which each group could find someone like them in the story.

A man had two sons - and one demanded his share of the inheritance right now - up front. He couldn’t wait for his dad to die - “I want my money now.” The son may be disrespectful and rebellious, but the father gives in. Well, you know what happens. The young son moves far away, squanders the money by living a wild and undisciplined life. After he’s blown it all and is flat broke, he hires himself out to a pig farmer.

At this point, all the religious are shaking their heads in agreement, “See that’s what happens to sinners - they crash and burn.”

But Jesus doesn’t end the story there. Working in the pigsty, the young man has a revelation. If I went home and worked for my father, I’d live better than this. “Yes, I’ll have to admit I was wrong - ask for forgiveness - but I’ll get decent meals and a good place to stay.”

Maybe his decision to go home was more practical then penitential. The Pharisees and Bible students thought they knew what was coming next. Jesus would tell how the father lectured that young son - quoting appropriately from the Bible - and gave him a lesson about following the rules.

But in Jesus’ parable, the father’s reaction defied their logic. While the younger son was still far off, the father runs to meet him - embraces him. Then the father gives him some new clothes, a ring and sandals. And he orders a great dinner celebration in his honor.

That group the others called sinners were relieved - no talk of punishment for past sins - instead welcome and blessing. On the other hand, the religious were probably somewhat disappointed. But many of them were parents and could understand.

The story isn’t over. The elder son came in from the field - and this loyal son is angry. Big brother wants retribution. It’s not fair. He doesn’t believe that he needs to offer compassion and forgiveness to his younger brother.

But son, you are always with me and all that I have is yours... We had to celebrate because your brother who was lost has been found. Luke 15:32

Jesus parable calls both sinners and the religious - to repent. As the father called the two sons to reconcile, now Jesus calls the sinners and the religious, the outsiders and the insiders - to reconcile - to get together as members of God’s family. The father graciously accepts both sons - and they should accept one another - be reconciled.

That’s the message Paul says we should pass on to others as Christ’s ambassadors, His representatives. For he would make his invitation through us – “Come back to God”, or “Come back to church, and be part of God’s family.”

Yes, but how?

First, look for the opportunity

Be wise in the way you act with people who are not believers, making the most of every opportunity. When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. Colossians 4:5

Paul says make the most of every opportunity. To do that, you must become aware of them. Ask God to open your eyes to see the daily occasions you have to share your faith by putting it into action.

A way we reach out intentionally is to make sure our words are always kind and pleasant. Are you encouraging - Does your faith cause you to smile at people? When you’re frustrated, are you rude or patient? When people let you down are you gentle or judgmental? How your respond is a witness to your faith in Christ.

Become aware of opportunities to care and share. Put your faith into practice.

You say, I don’t have any friends who’d like to come to my church. A Gallup Poll survey found thirty-four million Americans said “I’d go to church but I’ve just never been asked.” Thirty-four million! Some of those people you work with. Some of them live on your block.

Second, pray

“Pray for us that God will give us an opportunity to share His message with others.” Col. 4:3

Pray that the Lord would make you aware of the opportunities to demonstrate your faith to others. And pray that God would prepare their hearts. Pray that he would give you the courage to invite them to church – that Christ’s spirit would give you the words to say.

As we pray for opportunity you know what happens? You start seeing them everywhere. Actually you’ve got lots of opportunities. You just didn’t notice them.

Prayer makes me aware. It changes my heart. When I start praying for my family then I start seeing the needs of my family. When I start praying for my friends, I start seeing the needs of my friends.

If you start praying for someone you’re thinking of inviting to church, you may realize what you have in common that would give you an opportunity to talk about faith or church.

Or praying for them may lead you to think about a need they have. Maybe they need you to encourage them or just sympathize with them or. Or even ask “How can I help?” An opportunity to show Christ-like love by your words and deeds.

Build a bridge between your heart and theirs, so Jesus can walk across from you to them. Pray that he would open your eyes to discern someone in your life who might be receptive.

Reach out to people in Christ’s name simply by nurturing friendships. The simplest expression of Christ-like love is attention – spending time with someone.

“The Holy Spirit does not want you to be afraid of people, but to be wise and strong, and to love them and enjoy being with them.” 2 Tim. 1:7

Finally, Jesus said, “You’re to be My witnesses.” When I hear the word “witness,” I think of a courtroom. It’s a perfect picture of what God’s asking us to do. He doesn’t ask us to be the attorney, arguing the case. We’re not trying to persuade anyone of anything. He doesn’t ask us to be the judge, judging other people. He says, I want you to be My witnesses - not judge or attorney.

What does a witness do? A witness just says, Here’s what I’ve seen, here’s what I experienced. A witness just tells the story of what God’s done in their life A witness says this is why I go to church - why I like being part of the family.

God specifically put people in your life and you are Christ’s representative to them. If not you, who? He put you there to share with your relatives and loved one, your friend, neighbors your co-worker. How will the people know unless we tell them? Your life is the only Bible some people will ever read. You represent Christ to them. There are people in your life who need to be part of God’s family.

Think of someone you could invite and start praying for them everyday.

Pray for the opportunity to invite them - pray that God would give you the words to say - that he would speak through you.

Never give up on anybody. You never get discouraged. Trust God.

Being a representative of Christ - letting others know you believe - that you go to church - requires courage. It means moving out of your comfort zone. Pray for that courage.

Paul says we have been given a message to pass on to others as Christ’s ambassadors, His representatives. For he would make his invitation through us – “Come back to God” -- “Come back to God’s family, his church.”

Share the amazing grace of God.