November 15, 2022 Becoming an ambassador

The coming of the kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say: “Here it is” or “There it is” because the kingdom of God is within you.’ (Luke 17, 20 + 21)

Dear Readers,

the pious Pharisees ask Jesus about the kingdom of God. They want to know when the Messiah will establish his kingdom of peace on this earth. But Jesus disappoints them. He does not give a date when he will drive the hated Romans out of the country. He does not name a day when he will ascend a throne in Jerusalem. His kingdom of peace will come in a different way as compared to their dreams. It begins completely differently. It begins right in their middle. It begins where people live in the spirit of God:

 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit”. (Romans 14, 17)

Characteristics of the Kingdom of God consist of God´s righteousness, God's peace, and His joy.                Wherever the Holy Spirit brings this about, there is the kingdom of God. And today too, the kingdom of God is where we live in this trust in God and act in his spirit.

Now, when the kingdom of God is in our midst, it also has an influence on this world. That is why the apostle Paul writes: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God was making his appeal through us. And we implore you on Christ’s behalf: be reconciled with the Lord” (2nd Epistle to the Corinthians, 5, 20)

God's justice, peace and joy make us ambassadors of Jesus Christ in our world. In our families, in the neighborhood, at work, at school.

So, what is our mission as spiritual ambassadors? What is our message? Exactly what Paul says: Be reconciled to God! Stop all quarreling against God and among yourselves! Stop accusing God. Stop mocking Jesus Christ. God reaches out to you. He wants to give you joy through his Spirit. He wants you to become peacemakers.

When Jesus sends out his ambassadors, he gives them the following mission: Please go and keep in mind: I am sending you out like “lambs right among wolves” When you enter a house, first say, “Peace be with this house.” If someone who promotes peace is there, your peace will rest on them; if not, it will return to you. (Gospel of Luke 10, 3 + 5 + 6)

Bringing peace to the wolves - what a challenge! To be ambassadors of peace wherever we go. And to be ambassadors of joy. Even bringing joy to people who have long since lost their laughter. "Joy in the Lord is your strength!" (Nehemiah 8:10). As ambassadors, let us bring other people a little bit closer to the Kingdom of God. Let us start today!