Risky Business
by Tyler Zach
Being a peace ambassador was risky business. There was always a good chance of dying.
This was clearly seen in the recent movie 300. An ambassador from the Persian kingdom showed up to offer peace to the Spartans. The terms: surrender and submit to the Persian kingdom or be killed.
The Spartans weren’t too thrilled about this idea. Thus, comes one of the most exciting clips of the movie. Instead of giving a polite “no” to the peace ambassador, a Spartan solider kicks the peace ambassador over the edge – falling to his death.
This peace ambassador job was risky business. And this peace ambassador job is our business.
Paul calls us to become this type of ambassador. He says, “therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
We have been given authority from the King to go forth into all the earth offering terms of peace to every kingdom that is not under the authority of the true King. God Himself is making His appeal through us. Submit or die. Surrender and live. But it doesn’t stop there. We have been given the opportunity to share the good news. That Christ the King has given them the chance to live! Grace is available!
Take it freely.
Take it quickly. Because…
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war… And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations…”
Jesus is coming back. He is just over the hill behind us. We have the terms of peace to offer. But…
That is a risky business. Most people don’t think of this particular peace term as good news. Therefore, some people get hurt. That’s why most of the disciples of Jesus were murdered. That’s why there are martyrs throughout church history. They died trying to bring peace.
A few questions for us:
Are we doing our job? How often are we going forth with the gospel of peace? Do we hear the trumpets behind us? Do we realize the significance of our job? Are we being persecuted in some measure like the faithful ambassadors of the past? Do we remember that it was said, “everyone who is in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”?
“When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it…shall serve you.” – Deuteronomy 20:10-11
That’s what happens when the Kingdom spreads. People submit to the King and become “slaves of righteousness”. And its only a matter before we realize that being a servant of the King is better than being a free on our own.
And this will continue until the whole earth is under the rule and authority of the one true King.
Note: This blog series is a collection of musings from my Old Testament seminary class with Dr. Richard Pratt, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary
Being a peace ambassador was risky business. There was always a good chance of dying.
This was clearly seen in the recent movie 300. An ambassador from the Persian kingdom showed up to offer peace to the Spartans. The terms: surrender and submit to the Persian kingdom or be killed.
The Spartans weren’t too thrilled about this idea. Thus, comes one of the most exciting clips of the movie. Instead of giving a polite “no” to the peace ambassador, a Spartan solider kicks the peace ambassador over the edge – falling to his death.This peace ambassador job was risky business. And this peace ambassador job is our business.
Paul calls us to become this type of ambassador. He says, “therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
We have been given authority from the King to go forth into all the earth offering terms of peace to every kingdom that is not under the authority of the true King. God Himself is making His appeal through us. Submit or die. Surrender and live. But it doesn’t stop there. We have been given the opportunity to share the good news. That Christ the King has given them the chance to live! Grace is available!
Take it freely.
Take it quickly. Because…
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and wages war… And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations…”
Jesus is coming back. He is just over the hill behind us. We have the terms of peace to offer. But…
That is a risky business. Most people don’t think of this particular peace term as good news. Therefore, some people get hurt. That’s why most of the disciples of Jesus were murdered. That’s why there are martyrs throughout church history. They died trying to bring peace.
A few questions for us:
Are we doing our job? How often are we going forth with the gospel of peace? Do we hear the trumpets behind us? Do we realize the significance of our job? Are we being persecuted in some measure like the faithful ambassadors of the past? Do we remember that it was said, “everyone who is in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”?
“When you approach a city to fight against it, you shall offer it terms of peace. If it agrees to make peace with you and opens to you, then all the people who are found in it…shall serve you.” – Deuteronomy 20:10-11
That’s what happens when the Kingdom spreads. People submit to the King and become “slaves of righteousness”. And its only a matter before we realize that being a servant of the King is better than being a free on our own.
And this will continue until the whole earth is under the rule and authority of the one true King.
Note: This blog series is a collection of musings from my Old Testament seminary class with Dr. Richard Pratt, professor at Reformed Theological Seminary
posted by Tyler Zach at 7:52 PM
1 Comments:
PEACE OF CHRIST
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
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