Go Ahead...Change Someone! (2 Corinthians 5:19-20; 7:11)

2 Corinthians 5:20 says, "Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech (you) by us; we beg (you) in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God."

This verse contains so much that a single word study will doubtless fall short of delivering the total impact presented in its content.

AMBASSADORS- This word expresses the historical understanding of one who was the representative of the emperor, in both word and deed, conveying the wishes and sentiments of the ruler to another individual; country; or king.

This task now falls to us, as the sole representatives, in the flesh, of the Lord Jesus Christ. The familiar saying, "You are the only Bible that some people may ever read", though sometime taken in a negative context to encourage us to live morally pure lives, that would be worthy of representing our Lord, is however a very positive statement, that we can and do, convey what God is like, by both our words and actions, as His ambassadors.

RECONCILED - This word is the primary focus of this study, in an attempt to communicate the richness of it's meaning.

1) Originally the word was used solely in a monetary context, of exchanging one currency for another. The reason the currency was exchanged, is that the currency obtained was required, to perform transactions in the economy that the individual, or persons, found themselves in.

We now function in the economy of Heaven, where new rules apply, and in order for us to perform transactions, we live by faith, and walk in love, and create a new standard of behavior, based on our relationship with our Father. We do what He tells us to, in the way He tells us to, to get things done.

2) The word developed a secondary meaning, of exchanging anything for something else, obviously of higher value  to the one receiving what was exchanged.

When we were reconciled to God, through Jesus Christ, we exchanged our failure for His success; our sickness for His health; eternal life instead of spiritual death; hope for desperation; and healthy relationships from broken hearts and homes. We became His spiritual offspring positioned to receive everything that our new relationship with Him legally provided for us.

3) In the Greek tense in which the word is used, the word implies that the action is an accomplished fact, never to be changed or altered. We are, and forever will be reconciled to God.

4) An interesting fact concerning the word, is that it means a restoration to an original state that existed prior to the hostility that developed in the relationship. We have been restored to everything, and more, that Adam had with God, our Father, before that relationship was broken. We don't see all of those previous benefits fully realized, but we walk in what we do have now and embrace everything that shall be finally fulfilled in and through us.

5) This is the dominate word, in historical literature, for the restoration of relationships, and specifically those between a husband and wife. What is interesting about this word, is that the hostility that existed, prior to the restoration, was only between one of the two parties.

God, our Father, never has been, and never will be, mad at us, or anyone else. He was not the one that required reconciliation, we were. He so LOVED the world, that HE gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, will not perish, but have eternal life.

In 2 Corinthians 7:11, this fact is illustrated in a wife that needs to be reconciled to the husband, but the husband does not require any reconciliation, as he was never in a position of hostility towards her. We, as the wayward wife, required reconciliation, but God did not. He always was and always will be on our side, no matter how badly we blow it. Even those that we would think of as the worst of sinners; God is not against them.

In fact, the message that we as ambassadors, representing His will and wishes, present to those not yet in the family, is that God is not mad at them.  Everything has already been accomplished for their restoration, and that fact will never change... come on home and be part of the family, your inheritance and right relationship with the Father, is waiting for you. 

6) However, the simple meaning of this legal terminology, is that in order for the reconciliation to take effect in someone's life, they must receive, or embrace the terms of the reconciliation. They must accept the offer to enjoy the benefits.

7) Probably one of the most profound aspects of this word, is that it conveys the fact that the party, that was not even in a position of hostility towards the estranged one in the relationship, took action that not only changed the conditions of the relationship, but produced a change in the behavior of the one at fault.

God was personally present in Christ  Jesus causing the  reconciliation of the world, through the sacrifice of His Son, not keeping a ledger balance of any faults committed against Him. (2 Cor.5:19), and He has committed to us the task of conveying His good favor towards those estranged from His jesters of love.

The reality of this truth, is that unlike the popular maxim, "you can't change somebodies behavior"; but according to scripture, you can! You can absolutely perform deeds of kindness; intercede for others; and by your actions, cause those in hostility towards you now, to become  favorable towards you.

In countries all over the world, material aid; food and compassion, paves the way for a positive reception of the Gospel message. The saying is still true, that "people don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care", and in order to receive the message, it helps for them to first receive the messenger.

We can, in our world, totally change the behavior of others, by the spiritual force of love demonstrated to those in hostility towards us. We are His representatives, and we operate in this world, with His power released into every situation that we encounter, for it is His goodness; kindness; love  expressed, that leads to repentance and restoration.

You are God's Best and God's Best is Yours.