Advocating God’s Cause (Part 2)

by Annie Yorty ©2021

Icy cold feet quake in my boots as I look down at the upturned faces of the orphans seated on small chairs in a semicircle around me. How can advocating God’s cause be so scary?

My eyes shift beyond the children to a sentry line of teachers standing with crossed arms and narrowed eyes. Gulp!

I had practiced for this moment, yet I feel completely unprepared. My mouth opens, but words stick in my throat. Sucking in a deep, shaky breath through suddenly dry lips, I pause. To think. To pray.

Holy Spirit, what should I say?

This happened on my first mission trip. My job that day with the orphans in Belarus was to testify. To proclaim the One who is eternal life—Jesus. To advocate for God.

Indeed, that’s my mission every day of life.

Family Business–Advocating for God

So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” (2 Corinthians 5:20)

Ambassador = Advocate

An ambassador is a person who acts as a representative or promoter. It’s another word for advocate. Paul says God makes His appeal through us in our ordinary, sometimes humdrum, often sin-soaked, lives. Surprisingly, God has drafted us, His followers, to speak for Him.

I want to clarify. Almighty God is not helpless or powerless to advocate His own cause. On the contrary, He is the Advocate of all advocates. Yet, in His infinite grace, He invites us to participate in advocating His cause, the family business, so to speak. It is a high privilege reserved for God’s children.

God’s Cause–Reconciliation

If we are to advocate for, or promote, God, we must become intimately acquainted with His cause. The gospel—the good news of Jesus, has been God’s mission since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. He’s been beating that drum down through the ages, culminating with Jesus’ death and resurrection. Paul calls the gospel a “task of reconciling people” to God. Christ became the go-between, or bridge, that brings peace with God to mankind.

And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him (2 Corinthians 5:18 NLT).

In my role as advocate for Unto, Cru’s humanitarian aid branch, I attend meetings with leaders to see behind the scenes. To understand the why and what of their work. By learning the essence of the organization, I become able to faithfully and accurately communicate the message of Unto.

In the same way, Jesus created the inside track for me to know the essence of God. Jesus’ Holy Spirit living in me communicates with my spirit to guide and direct my actions and words. That snowy January day in Belarus, when my desperate spirit cried out, the Holy Spirit enabled me to advocate for God’s cause of reconciliation, custom-made for the expectant children and suspicious adults before me.

Advocating God’s Cause

As a new Christian, I remember thinking there must be just a few very special people to whom God gives extra abilities, enabling them to promote His gospel.

But God calls every one of His children to advocate His cause. Even if they weren’t given the gift of evangelism by the Holy Spirit. Every gift from the Spirit is to be used to further the gospel message. As we discussed in How God Advocates for You, the Spirit advocates by teaching us the truth about Jesus. Once the Spirit tutors us, we are fully equipped to advocate God’s cause.

So how do we proclaim God’s cause—the gospel? Though many, like me, are daunted by the task, it’s really quite simple. John gives us some clues:

We proclaim to you the one who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw him with our own eyes and touched him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. (1 John 1:1 NLT).

John says you begin with what was revealed to you about Christ through the Bible and from the Spirit. Add what you have seen, heard, and touched. That’s your testimony as an eyewitness. Learn to be observant about God’s activity. Then go. Be a faithful and loving reporter!

Audience for God’s Cause

Who needs to hear God’s message of reconciliation?

Jesus answered this question before His disciples even asked, and the answer applies to us today.

Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:18-19 NLT).

All nations. All people. That is the audience for God’s cause. It could be:

• Foreigners living in your home country or far away
• Neighbors across the street
• Prisoners
• Servers in stores and restaurants
• Family members
• Your enemy

God’s Spirit will direct us to the ones in our lives who need us to advocate for His cause of reconciliation through Christ. If you have not heard His direction, start every morning by asking for eyes to see the people in your sphere who need His touch.

Will we be quiet enough to listen?

Will we be bold enough to advocate God’s cause?

So pray that I will keep on speaking boldly for him, as I should (Ephesians 6:20b NLT).

In 2 Corinthians 5:15, we are warned by Paul about continuing to live for own cause rather than God’s cause. We are chosen by God to be His ambassadors. Advocates for God’s cause. Since Jesus died for us, dare we reject our role in His kingdom? If God’s Spirit is in us, should we refuse to allow His love to control our thoughts, actions, and words?

God’s provision gives us courage to stand firm through fear when we advocate God’s cause.

Join the conversation:

How does a love for God and His cause of reconciliation help to overcome your fear when sharing the gospel?

How can you boldly advocate God’s cause in your daily life?

I welcome your comments.