In 2012, Chris Stevens was the first United States ambassador to Libya in a good many years. He was also the first United States ambassador in a good many years to be killed while serving in that capacity. Ambassadors often find themselves in difficult and dangerous circumstances. As representatives their government, they are supposed to be protected and respected. But that only works for people who obey the law. Terrorists see ambassadors as an instrument to draw attention to their cause. That is why Mr Stevens was attacked at the U.S. Embassy and killed.

Of course, Chris Stevens is not the only ambassador who has been in danger. In his second letter to the Christians in Corinth, St. Paul reminded the believers that they were not just individuals, they were ambassadors for Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

As those who have been redeemed by Jesus, everything we say and do reflects on Him. We represent Jesus and His Kingdom to the world. We are to share that message that the Savior’s life, death and resurrection assure all who trust in Him of complete forgiveness for sin. Because Jesus has ascended into heaven, He uses us, His followers, to make His appeal to an unbelieving world. We are ambassadors for Christ. And it is a job that is not without danger.
Jesus warned us: “All men will hate you because of me…” (Mark 13:13a). And history has proved that statement to be true. Over the centuries His ambassadors have often been the object of hatred, scorn and persecution. Even today, there are brothers and sisters around the world are being persecuted and killed because they are ambassadors for Christ. They are suffering, but as they do they know their suffering will point people to the Savior. They know and pray they may remain faithful ambassadors for Christ. The second part of that verse from Mark has Jesus reminding us: “…but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13b).

Dear Jesus, You said Your followers would be persecuted. But You also said that those who endure to the end would be saved. Today I pray for those, many who are nameless, who are being persecuted because You have become their Savior. Help them endure and, even while being persecuted, remain Your ambassadors, proclaiming the forgiveness and freedom You have won. This I ask in Your holy Name. Amen.