The human aspect of the great work of reconciliation is now before us. It is seen in that it is the servant of God who is tasked with the duty of proclaiming that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, verse 19.
Reconciliation is applied by the preaching of the gospel. Those elected of God unto salvation and whose guilty place was taken by Christ at Calvary, are called into the experience of reconciliation with God through the blood of Christ by the message of the gospel preached by God’s servants. This is God’s way.
I. The titles given to the gospel
It is called the Ministry and the Word of reconciliation. It is by it that the way of peace with God is made known. Under the gospel, sinners learn of the need of reconciliation and the means by which it may be experienced.
Has the Word profited you?
II. It is committed to preachers.
As a hunter may use a decoy so God uses men of the same nature to proclaim the message of salvation. Paul and Barnabus at Lystra — Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein, Acts 14:15, James 5:17. Preachers are not just messengers but examples also.
III. The essence of the preacher’s duty is here given.
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, verse 20.
A. The dignity of the office. A preacher is an ambassador. presbeuo {pres-byoo’-o}. It is from the Greek word for presbyter. The preacher ought always to be aware of the dignity of his office.
B. The authority of the office. As though God did beseech you by us. In a very real way the faithful preacher is God’s voice. Exodus 4:16, I Kings 17:24, Jeremiah 5:14, Acts 3:21.
Let none lightly despise the preaching of the gospel. And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them, 1 Samuel 8:7.
C. The anxiety of the office. There is a sob in Paul’s voice. He beseeches. He prays. He was most earnest in seeking the welfare of the flock of God.
D. The message of the office. Be ye reconciled to God. The word reconciled is katallasso {kat-al-las’-so}. It is passive. It is a word not calling for action but submission, an acceptance of that which has been done. It is a call for a cessation of rejection and warfare against God.