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The Ministry of Reconciliation at Bible Related Ministries
2 Corinthians
5:17-21
Fortunately,
God is in the business of reconciliation! He still looks for stubborn,
wandering, disjointed, foolish human beings, to restore them and bring them
back into His presence. God wants all of
us to share a part of His business of reconciliation (restoration).
In 2
Cor. 5:17-21, Paul, the apostle, uses the word “reconciliation.” Man was created
to be indwelt by God. But instead, due to depravity and man’s continual state of
rebellion, we are estranged, alienated from our creator, and many times from each
other as well. This is the fundamental sickness of all humanity. We suffer as a
result in our chuches. Therefore the very best news we could
ever hear is the news of reconciliation. The glories of
reconciliation are many. Let’s talk about three… First, reconciliation originates
with God. Vs. 17-18 He
makes us new creations in Him (V. 17). This is the ultimate amnesty program. We
can be a new creation in Him! God, who was the offended, initiates
reconciliation. Repentance is so hard for us! The County jail (for example) is
full of “innocent people.” Only God can break through to the stubborn, prideful
flesh, which keeps us from being restored. Second, reconciliation is personally
delivered. Vs. 18-20 God
personally went looking for Adam and Eve. Nathan went looking for
King David. God sent His prophets, and ultimately in due time He sent
His Son. God
is in charge, and all reconciling has its origin with Him. (V. 18) Colossians
1:20 further tells us: “And having made
peace through the blood of the cross by him to reconcile all things unto
Himself, all things I say whether they be things in heaven or in earth.” But
He gives us the ministry (or word) of reconciliation too. (V.
18, 19) In Galatians 6:1 there is a command to “restore” a man overtaken in
sin. The same root Greek word is here translated “restore.” We then are Christ’s
“ambassadors!”
God is making his invitation through us (V. 20)! We at BRM offer our
recommendations, invite people to respond, and warn them of the consequences if
they do not. We are in this way God’s
“ambassadors” acting on His behalf
here on earth. Third, reconciliation achieves the impossible. Vs. 21 It
is certainly an impossible act for us. And we do experience some impossible
situations out there! Stubbornness, self, flesh and pride are strong and stand
in the way. But it is God who is doing the reconciling, and nothing is
too hard for Him! Just think! The Righteous One was made to be sin
on our behalf, that the righteousness of God might forever
be ours (2 Cor. 5:21)! What a ministry of reconciliation we at BRM are involved in!
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BRM is working with the pastors out there, bringing people into a right
relationship with Christ, and training them to be his disciples.