In Divine Missions: How God Gives Himself to Us
A divine mission refers to the sending of a Trinitarian person into the world without changing their divine nature. Unlike mythological stories of gods visiting Earth, Christianity presents a unique case where God maintains transcendence while entering our world.
The most significant example is Jesus Christ, who came as both fully divine and human. When Jesus proclaimed himself "the bread of life" (John 6:35), many struggled to understand how someone with human parents could come from heaven. This paradox illustrates the complexity of divine missions.
To understand this concept, consider the analogy of magnetism:
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Just as a magnet draws objects through attraction rather than force, God draws people through divine missions (John 6:44)
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While the entire Trinity participates in divine actions, specific missions belong to particular persons:
- Only the Son became incarnate
- Only the Holy Spirit was sent at Pentecost
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Like a paperclip receiving magnetism from a magnet, Christ's human nature remains unchanged while being elevated to share in divine operations
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Through Christ, believers become "magnetized" with eternal life, forming a chain of connection to the divine source
This understanding has practical implications for Christian life:
- We become conduits of Christ's life to others (Galatians 2:20)
- Our focus shifts from earthly to heavenly priorities
- We can exercise spiritual gifts through ordinary daily activities
- We maintain our natural operations while participating in divine life
The supernatural power of Christian life flows from this direct connection to Christ, enabling believers to transcend natural limitations while remaining fully human. This divine mission continues through those who are united with Christ, spreading divine life like magnetism through connected paperclips.
Through divine missions, God doesn't simply act in the world – He gives Himself to us. This gift enables us to share in His divine nature while maintaining our human identity, transforming ordinary lives into channels of extraordinary grace.