Represent

Have you ever thought of yourself as a representative of a foreign Kingdom? The truth is— church members are Jesus’ representatives. We represent Jesus in this world in a singular way, but with several titles. When scanning the New Testament, we need to remember that most of the foundational teachings are the exact same, just tailored to the churches the writers were writing to. For example, when Paul wrote Thessalonica, some the same instructions were to Corinth in their second letter. When you read in Ephesians about salvation by grace, you can also see this in Galatians, just the words are framed a little differently. Keeping that in mind, what we read here today is singular thoughts sent to different churches and different leaders of those churches. 

We represent Jesus as a “Witness”. Acts 1.8 and 22.15 tell us that the first church was to be “witnesses unto me” (Jesus). The word “unto” is archaic and specific at the same time. It is not to be dismissed. The verse does not state “for” or “with” or “to” as many have applied and translated erroneously. It means ‘to point towards’ as they would in their court systems. You would ‘point to’ and the record would state who exactly you were pointing towards, and for what reason you were pointing. It is the responsibility of the disciple of Christ to point people to Jesus and not: ourselves, our story, our church, or our ideas… Jesus.

We represent Jesus as a “Minister of Reconciliation”. 2 Corinthians 5.17-19 explains that every member is a minister. Everyone is called to something, but all of us are called to share the gospel to the lost, equip the saved, and send the equipped. It is imperative that every member knows they are responsible to fulfill their ministry of reconciling the world to Jesus via the Gospel message. We will all, individually, one at a time, give and account of our ministries. You are a minister… good or bad at it, you are a minister. 

We represent Jesus as an “Ambassador”. In the same passage of 2 Corinthians 5.20; and Ephesians 6.20 we see that not only do we have a ministry that points people to Christ… you have a title. That title is: Ambassador. Let’s say we have an ambassador from America that is designated to Guatemala. While in that foreign country you will notice a few things about the Ambassador. First, at no time so they think they are a citizen of Guatemala. Second, at no time do they represent Guatemalans and their interests. Nope, in fact, they are there on foreign soil representing the United States and it’s interests or they are a bad Ambassador. Worse yet, they could be a traitor. We are pilgrims on foreign soil with the solemn responsibility to represent our King Jesus and His interests. This is why the scripture makes it so abundantly clear not to make friends with this foreign power’s system (the world). That would be treason of the highest order because the god of this world is Satan (2 Corinthians 4.4).  

We represent Jesus as a Responsible Trustee according to 1 Thessalonians 2.4. We have been “put in trust with the gospel”. It is the most representative statement towards responsibility of any on this list. It is deeded to us, not for safe keeping, but to be spoken (“speak”) to the lost of this world. Imagine a cure for a rapidly spreading disease was administered to you. Then the physician hands it to you, entrusting you to disburse this cure. Would you lock it away, hide it, store it for later, only give it to your personal family? If you would, then your soul has been seriously vexed. We act the same when we only give the gospel to our family, hide it, lock it away for safe keeping, and only speak of it when the church assembles. We are a responsible trustee of the greatest gift in the history of man. An eternal sacrifice was made for you to disburse the cure… give it away! We have a caution in this text— “not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts”. You will give an account of what you did with this cure. It doesn’t matter what man thinks while you’re doing it, just God who you will answer to on judgement day.

As His represenative, He left us commands to follow. You’re not on your own, you’re not alone, and you dont have to ‘wing it’. Jesus gave us the road map in Matthew 28.20 and 2 Timothy 2.2. All we need to do is— get busy being a real member. Tell others the Gospel. Maybe you say, ‘I don’t know how’. That’s fair… so get some help. Submit yourself to the leadership of your Pastor or one of his designee’s and get discipled. Surely you already have someone with you, coaching you. That person is your discipler. It is imperative that you get busy, but get busy being trained so you can be the best representative you can be. There are people in line behind you too. 2 Timothy 2.2 tells us to tell others what you know, helping them to tell others as well.  

Representation in the scripture is essential, or as the scripture says: “a command”.  Each of these texts are written in imperative mood. It is an authoritative command from the Jesus whom you represent. Be a good representation of the King whom you serve so that you may stand before Him one day, without shame!