Called by the King for the Mission of Love

“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.” 2 Corinthians 5:20

Jesus Has a Mission, and We Have a Purpose IN CHRIST!

King Jesus is not asking us to represent Him—He’s commanding it, and He has commissioned it–from before the foundation of the world! His voice thunders through eternity with compassion and clarity: “FOLLOW ME!” We are not volunteers in this divine assignment; we are called forth and equipped as Ambassadors by the King of Heaven and Earth Himself.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

An Ambassador for Christ is not self-appointed. You were chosen, summoned, and anointed by Jesus Himself to represent the Kingdom of God in this fallen, chaotic, crumbling, blind world. He has entrusted you with the message of reconciliation—a heavenly mission that overthrows fear, hatred, division, and despair with His unstoppable love.

“And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake, he is the one who will save it.’” Luke 9:23-24

We are citizens of Heaven, stationed on Earth, not to condemn it, but to proclaim: “Come meet King Jesus—He has made THE way!”

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.’” Matthew 16:24-25

Imagine Jody and Jeff open their home to Tierra….

Jesus’ mission becomes Jody and Jeff’s daily calling. Imagine they have a full life already—careers, three kids, and a tight budget. But instead of retreating into comfort, they say yes to King Jesus by considering therapeutic foster care. They open their home and hearts to Tierra, a 19-year-old expecting her first baby. Tierra isn’t just a guest—she’s family. In doing this, Jody and Jeff aren’t just helping Tierra; they’re fulfilling the mission of Jesus: “Whatever you did for the least of these… you did it for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Their purpose IN CHRIST is revealed in their willingness to serve sacrificially.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it to life eternal.” John 12:24-25

Who Calls Forth an Ambassador—and Why?

Ambassadors are called by kings. Only a king has the authority to send a representative on His behalf, and Jesus is no ordinary King—He is the King of Kings, reigning now from Heaven and soon to return. He doesn't call us for comfort. He calls us for communion, community, and commission.

“You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you.” John 15:16

The King calls you because His heart breaks for the one—the lost sheep, the broken soul, the hidden outcast. Jesus died not just to save us but to fill us, indwell us, and send us. He sends ambassadors to reveal His heart to the world.

The question isn't if you’re called—it's whether you will say yes.

“For if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live.” Romans 8:13

What Does an Ambassador Look Like?

An ambassador of Christ looks like Jesus. They carry His nature, His authority, His humility, and His name. They wear the robe of righteousness and walk in adversity, rejection, and suffering–truly blessed, and they know it. They look like crucified men and women who now live IN CHRIST by Grace alone. Can you see their wounds? Do you want to see mine?

“The one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” 1 John 2:6

They are trained in adversity, forged in betrayal, and transformed by fire—not for their own glory, but for the honor of the King. Like Joseph, they’ve known the pit, but have been positioned for the palace. And they do not flinch at opposition—they bless it.

Tom and Penny serve without title or spotlight.

After decades of ministry, Tom and Penny walked away from the pulpit. Now, they quietly serve in radical foot-washing ways—mentoring broken pastors, leading small groups for outcasts, and providing meals to families in transition. They have two foster children. Their lives reflect the humility of Christ. No titles. No platforms. Just love, obedience, and servanthood. They look like Jesus. They act like Jesus. They are having the time of their life. And without saying a word, they declare the Kingdom of God is at hand.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1

The Ministry of Reconciliation

This world is drowning in separation. But Jesus came not to separate, but to reconcile all things in Heaven and Earth to Himself through His blood. And He has given us that ministry, and He has sent us to be His Ambassadors of Reconciliation. If you are not reconciling, you are not His ambassador–you are working for the other guy!

"After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you." 1 Peter 5:10

Are you reconciling or dividing? How many people have demanded to leave your church? Versus, how many people have you discipled personally, who are now effective disciples discipling others who are making new disciples? Ready for a change? Ready to confess, repent, and surrender? What do you have that was not given to you by His Grace? Free receive, freely give!

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Philippians 1:21

Let me remind you, we are not called to divide—we’re called to unite, to tear down walls, and build bridges by the power of the Cross.

This means:

We forgive before we’re asked.
We love those who hate us.
We bless those who curse us.
We shine light where others hide in shame.

Ambassadors do not just proclaim a message—they become the message. What are you waiting for?

Tierra begins to see her life restored.

Living in the care of Jody and Jeff, Tierra begins to understand her worth. She hears about Jesus every day—not through sermons, but through late-night talks, shared meals, and love without conditions. She confesses her fears, repents of her past, and receives Grace. When her baby girl is born, Tierra names her Hope. That’s the fruit of reconciliation. She knows now that she’s not abandoned—she’s been adopted into a new family, and God is her Father.

“For the love of Christ controls us, having concluded this, that one died for all, therefore all died; and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.” 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

His Ministry of Reconciliation

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18

Remember, Jesus Is Not the King of This World

This world is not our home. It is passing away, but the Kingdom of God is eternal. As ambassadors, we live with a Kingdom worldview—a radical shift from scarcity and self-protection to abundance and radical generosity and unlimited love.

“For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:34

In Christ, we see everything through the lens of God’s infinite Grace, and we respond with compassion and boldness. That is how we can love our enemies.

“My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting… but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36

Our King is returning soon to take over as King. What will He find? Will He find ambassadors building empires in their own name—or laying down their lives to exalt His? If Jesus came to you today and offered to step in for you and do your job for you, living your life on your behalf, giving you rest and respite you need, what would He do differently with your life? Would you pay attention to what He is doing for you? Would you marvel, learn, and grow up into Christ?

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

Would Jesus live your life like you are living your life, or would He live His life, regardless? Remember, He never changes, He is always the same. Would you watch Him live your life, and then follow Him, living your new life the way He taught you? Think about it deeply before you dismiss this thought. Are you living your life, or His.

“Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” Romans 6:6-8

Micky and Nikki reject worldly success for Kingdom impact.

They could have stayed in Boulder. They had influence. They had momentum. But they knew the Kingdom of God isn’t about building your name. It’s about going wherever the King sends you. So they left behind everything familiar and followed Jesus into the unknown. In St. George, they aren’t chasing likes or followers. They’re chasing lambs. Their worldview isn’t this world’s. Their treasure is in Heaven. Their family thinks they are nuts. They just smile.

Rejoice in Opposition—It’s Training for Reigning

Your opposition is not your enemy—it’s your training ground. Like Joseph’s brothers, like wicked Haman, like those who crucified Jesus—opposition is often God's pathway to true elevation. Ambassadors for Christ don’t curse our enemies. We thank God for them.

“Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2–3

Our enemies reveal our hearts, refine our motives, and prepare us for authority in the Kingdom of God. Jesus did not resist the Cross—He embraced it. Why? Because He was on mission. So are you–if you are IN CHRIST.

Tom and Penny love the church that rejected them.

Years ago, Tom and Penny were betrayed by those they loved most—a church they helped plant. Rumors, lies, and manipulation forced them to walk away. But instead of harboring bitterness, they forgave. They blessed. They wept with Jesus and learned to rejoice. Now they’re stronger, humbler, and more anointed. And when a young couple struggling in ministry came to them for help—Tom and Penny didn’t hesitate. They laid down their lives again, and like all the times before, there was no applause or pat on the back—just obedience.

The Way Forward: Repent, Receive, and Represent

Repent – Turn from self, from separation, from false identities.

Receive – Let Jesus clothe you in His Grace. Receive your role as ambassador. Love enemies

Represent – Carry the fragrance of Christ everywhere. Preach the Gospel, make disciples, love recklessly.

You were made for this. The world doesn’t need more Pastor CEOs. It needs His humble servants who have died, true Ambassadors of Reconciliation.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God.” Romans 5:1–2

Jody repents of busyness and finds new joy in simple obedience.

After years of constant motion, Jody found herself burned out. She repented—not of rebellion, but of self-reliance. She received the renewed mind of Christ, slowing down enough to love her family well, disciple her children intentionally, and embrace the Spirit-led spontaneity of Kingdom life. Now, every school drop-off, every midnight diaper change, every conversation with Tierra becomes a sacred appointment. She represents Jesus with gentle strength.

Will You Be Found IN CHRIST?

When Jesus returns, will He find faith? Will He find lovers of Truth? Will He find YOU—in His image, filled with His Spirit, carrying His heart for the lost?

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Philippians 3:20–21

Ask Jesus to make you like Mary and sit at His feet. Be like Paul. Preach the Cross. Be like Jesus. Lay down your life. Let Him make you an Ambassador of Reconciliation—a living testimony of the Father’s relentless love.

“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” 2 Corinthians 5:18

Let’s go get the one–the one lost one, like you. Let’s shine the light. Let’s glorify the King.

Will You Be Found IN CHRIST?

All of them—Jody and Jeff, Micky and Nikki, Tom and Penny—are found faithful IN CHRIST and BY CHRIST.

They are not perfect. But they are faithful. They are surrendered. They are IN CHRIST. When the King returns, He will find them doing the Father’s business—not just preaching, but being the message. They’ve counted the cost, and they’ve said YES. Will you?