Chapter 20—Ambassadors of the Kingdom
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech
you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
2
Corinthians 5:20
.
Since His ascension, Christ the great Head of the church, has carried
forward His work in the world by chosen ambassadors, through whom He
speaks to the children of men, and ministers to their needs. The position
of those who have been called of God to labor in word and doctrine for the
upbuilding of His church, is one of grave responsibility. In Christ’s stead
they are to beseech men and women to be reconciled to God....
Christ’s ministers are the spiritual guardians of the people entrusted to
their care. Their work has been likened to that of watchmen. In ancient times,
sentinels were often stationed on the walls of cities, where, from points
of vantage, they could overlook important points to be guarded, and give
warning of the approach of an enemy. Upon their faithfulness depended the
safety of all within....
To every minister the Lord declares: “O son of man, I have set thee a
watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at
my mouth, and warn them from me” ... (
Ezekiel 33:7-9
). These words of
the prophet declare the solemn responsibility resting upon those who are
appointed as guardians of the church, stewards of the mysteries of God....
It is the privilege of the watchmen on the walls of Zion to live so near to
God, and to be so susceptible to the impressions of His Spirit, that He can
work through them to tell sinners of their peril, and point them to the place
of safety.
The heart of the true minister is filled with an intense longing to save
souls.... He watches for souls as one that must give an account. With his
eyes fixed on the cross of Calvary, beholding the uplifted Saviour, relying on
His grace, believing that He will be with him until the end, as his shield, his
strength, his efficiency, he works for God. With invitations and pleadings,
mingled with the assurances of God’s love, he seeks to win souls to Jesus,
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