“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making His appeal through us. We implore 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.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

Chris Stevens was the first United States ambassador to Libya in many years. Chris Stevens was also the first US ambassador in a good many years to be killed while serving in that capacity. Understand, it's not that ambassadors aren't put in dangerous and difficult circumstances. They are! But ambassadors are often left alone because as representatives of their governments their person is supposed to be protected and respected.

That rule, of course, is only in effect if you are an individual who respects laws, differing viewpoints, and other religions. However, if you happen to be an extremist all rules are thrown out the window and, the ambassador becomes a man, walking around with a big target on his chest, and an ambassador's death is a way for you to make a point. Chris was a target for terror.

In his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, St. Paul reminded the believers that they weren't just individuals, they were ambassadors for Christ. Paul reminded Christ's redeemed children that they were, in all they did and said, representing Jesus and the new kingdom that the Savior's life, death and resurrection had brought about. Now that Jesus had ascended into heaven, the Lord was using them to make His appeal to an unbelieving world.  Ambassadors for Christ. It is a job that is not without danger.

Jesus had said, "And you will be hated by all for My Name's sake ...." (Mark 13:13a). The centuries have shown that Jesus was right. Over the centuries Christ followers have often been the object of hatred, scorn and persecution. Even as we write these words, some of our brothers and sisters around the world are being hounded, hassled and persecuted because they are ambassadors for Christ.

They are suffering, but as they do, they know their suffering will point people to the Savior. Pray that we all remain faithful ambassadors for Christ.