President-elect Donald Trump has certainly created a stir with some of his cabinet and key official nominations. Among them is Mike Huckabee, the former Arkansas governor and US presidential candidate, now nominated to be the US Ambassador to Israel. It is a fantastic appointment and, despite some opposition, is expected to be fairly easily confirmed.

Why is Huckabee a great pick? First, he views Israel through the lens of Scripture. His love and respect for the Jewish state has been demonstrated by frequent visits and bold, vocal advocacy of Israel over the past 5 decades.

Secondly, Huckabee understands the role of an ambassador. As a foreign diplomat, an ambassador’s job is to carry out the policy of the president, even if he has a different viewpoint. Though a staunch believer in Israel as the Jewish homeland, and Judea and Samaria (West Bank) as the Jewish heartland, Huckabee must abide by the dictates of the president.

However, a wise president chooses ambassadors who share their values regarding the country to which they are sent. Thus, Trump’s selection of Mike Huckabee speaks volumes about Trump’s likely position when it comes to defending Israel’s right to the land. It also aligns with President Trump’s previous decisions and actions regarding Israel.

To find out more about Trump’s selection of Mike Huckabee and Huckabee’s perspective of his role, read Joel Rosenberg’s informative interview with Huckabee.

Now, consider the role of an ambassador from a Biblical perspective. 2 Corinthians 5:20 says we are ambassadors for Christ. Just as Mike Huckabee represents US interests to Israel, so too, we represent the interests of our Heavenly Kingdom to the world we live in. Mike Huckabee will take up residence in a foreign country in order to be at the President’s beck and call in Israel. Likewise, we are foreigners, strangers, pilgrims and sojourners in this world! (John 17:14, Hebrews 11:13, 1 Peter 2:11)

As ambassadors for Christ, we check our own opinions and agendas at the door in order to speak the “policies” of the One who sent us. We have been appointed by our King to represent His Kingdom in a foreign land!

But, let’s close with the most exciting truth about ambassadors. What do you suppose happens if and when war breaks out in a foreign land? Ambassadors stand their ground, fulfilling their mission, for as long as the President has need of them. Yet, when danger is imminent, ambassadors are summoned back to their home country by their leader.

On this earth, we will have tribulation and chaos will abound. We are to stand our ground and fulfill our duty until King Jesus summons us home!

Think about it!