Clouds of Witnesses: As Ambassadors of Christ!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” (Heb. 12:1)
God’s people through the ages served as sojourners in the land dedicating their life as his ambassadors. Let’s briefly reflect on some of them:
Saint Augustine of Hippo
In his seminal work “City of God,” Augustine contrasts the earthly city (the City of Man) with the City of God. He writes, “The heavenly city, then, while it sojourns on earth, calls citizens out of all nations and gathers together a society of pilgrims of all languages.”
This view posits the Church as an ambassadorial presence on earth, representing the values and beliefs of the heavenly kingdom, and calling people to a higher, divine citizenship.
Augustine’s emphasis on preaching and teaching within the Church also aligns with the ambassadorial role. He once stated, “When I am frightened by what I am to you, then I am consoled by what I am with you. To you, I am a bishop, with you, after all, I am a Christian.” This highlights the dual role of church leaders as both representatives of Christ and fellow believers sharing in the Christian journey.
Martin Luther:
• Luther’s concept of the priesthood of all believers was transformational. He argued that all Christians have direct access to God and thus share the responsibility of being His representatives. In his work “To the Christian Nobility of the German Nation,” Luther states, “It is pure invention that pope, bishops, priests, and monks are called the spiritual estate while princes, lords, artisans, and farmers are called the temporal estate… All Christians are truly of the spiritual estate, and there is no difference among them except that of office.”
• This democratization of religious roles aligns with the concept of ambassadorship, as each believer is called to represent and spread God’s message.
• Luther also emphasized that Christians serve God in their everyday lives and vocations. He believed that all work, when done in faith and to God’s glory, is a form of worship. This understanding positions every believer as an ambassador for Christ in their daily interactions and duties.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer:
• Bonhoeffer, a German Lutheran pastor and theologian, is well-known for his staunch resistance to the Nazi regime and his writings on Christian discipleship.
• In his book “The Cost of Discipleship,” Bonhoeffer famously stated, “The Church is the Church only when it exists for others… not dominating, but helping and serving. It must tell men of every calling what it means to live for Christ, to exist for others.”
These stories underscore the ambassadorial role of Christians as servants and messengers of Christ, living for the benefit of others and spreading the message of the Gospel through service.