“Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should.“ Ephesians 6.19-20
Paul was given a fulfilling and difficult task. He was called by the Lord to be a the Ambassador of the Gospel to the Gentiles. Now ambassadors represent. They represent their counties, nations, kings. Paul was called to represent Christ fully and in all things. He was not guaranteed an easy or posh life. In contrast, he was told by the Lord that he would suffer many things for his name.
Part of his suffering was that he would be an ambassador in chains. The chains would come from those who were opposed to the hope of the Gospel. Paul was willingly in chains for Christ, but he was also physically in chains, locked up in prison by those who hate God and love sin.
Therefore Paul says twice in as many verses, “Pray for me….” And “Pray that I may declare it fearlessly as I should.” In addition, Paul requests twice to be fearless in presenting the gospel, “making known the mystery of the gospel.” Like us, Paul was willing to serve Christ but also like us, he needed courage to do so. He needed the church in Ephesus to pray for him so that he might have the strength to do what God has called him to do.
Are we any different? We are called to serve the Lord. Whether you preach the gospel or minister to the poor. Whether you write blogs or teach in a classroom, we are making known the mystery of the gospel. This we can not do alone. It requires prayers of other brothers and sisters to help us along the way.
Who is praying for you? Who is encouraging you? Who are you encouraging? Who are you lifting up so that the gospel might be made known and people might find life now and life to come in Jesus name?
“O Lord God, thank you for loving me. Thank you for the hope of the gospel that through Christ we might find everlasting life. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill us with your love and Spirit. Help us be ambassadors for you so others can find salvation and grace. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen