Entrust: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 20-21

“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

So far beyond our comprehension! Not only the initial gift of His grace and mercy to each of us individually, but then to add us as messengers. Of life shattering hope. To others.

So far beyond and removed from our present state. Wherever we are on our own journey there are very few who have reached the finished line on this side of heaven. With each faith ‘victory’ comes another struggle. We can see clearly His hand behind us, and presently holding us, but the fog before us often distorts our view. How can we who still need constant faith be ambassadors?

Especially because it’s not about us. Or our capability. Or even our own faith. It’s His words—His invitation—His mercy.

Entreat means to ask earnestly or anxiously. It is important. We are quick to share news of the day, an interesting book, a humorous encounter, or anger at an injustice. Why do we hesitant to entreat with salvation hope?

Entrust. Have you ever been given something valuable to protect or to deliver? A special surprise? A person? There is an inward glow of anticipation as we carry out the plan or the day. We love being able to participate and bring a message of joy.

Lord, please give us Your courage to share Your grace of reconciliation in all areas of our lives so that Your light will shine through our darkness. Shape and mold us to be Your faithful ambassadors of words and vision and care. With and without our knowledge.

Psalm of Worship: 1 John 1:9-10

“If we confess our sins he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Entrust: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

                        Entrust

                        Truth, righteousness

                        speaks without words

                        like a sunrise or sunset

                        captures awed silence.

                        Trust His words

                        to speak  beyond our ignorance

                        a pause to reflect

                        notice new possibilities.

                        Only One can judge

                        with justice

                        see heart’s response

                        with clarity.

                        Only One able to

                        turn abuse into forgiveness

                        anger into peace

                        trials into hope.

Beloved: Word Ambassadors: Prayers and Poetry

Reading: 1 Peter 2: 11-25

“Beloved, I urge you as aliens and exiles to abstain from the desires of the flesh that wage war against the soul. ……When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered he did not threaten; but he entrusted himself to the one who judges justly.”

“Beloved.” Is it harder to accept warnings or suggestions when we know they come from a heart of love, or does it make the decisions to agree or disagree more difficult?

These conditions do not change even if the actual methods change. And there are so many more added to this list as history produces more and more ways to exercise war: physically, emotionally, financially, politically, mentally and spiritually.

“Wage war against the soul.” A different perspective. We are asked to accept?

Accept the “authority of every human institution,” the “authority of your masters with deference…but also to those who are harsh.”  Honor everyone?

No retaliation—yet no compromise either. We are to live honorably, doing good deeds, respecting the aliens and exiles, sharing our lives, becoming a stark contrast to whatever strain of abuse and evil lives among us by using different methods. Methods that will not break souls.

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you should follow in his steps.”

Lord, please keep us bound to you, heart to heart, soul to soul, Your words to our walk. Build us into your foundation.

Psalm of Worship: Psalm 27: 9

“Do not hide your face from me.

Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help.

Do not cast me off, do not forsake me,

O God of my salvation.”