The miracle we are becoming
By Laurie Oswald Robinson
The metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly has become an almost ho-hum symbol of transformation. And yet, there is nothing mundane about a belly-crawling bug that takes to the skies in a multicolored dance of wings. It is a true miracle when an inert cocoon opens to the fluid light of the sun. In God’s creation, transforming miracles — whether in nature, individuals, cultures or mission agencies — do not happen on their own. They need the infusion of divine life, energy and creativity to push one thing into becoming another.
In Revelation 7:9-10 — our theme verses for this annual report — we are reminded of another kind of miracle that transforms diversity in unity: A great multitude from every nation, tribe, people and language stand together before the throne and before the Lamb. They cry out in loud voice, "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne. …"
What is the process for realizing this unity, resplendent in all its God-created diversity — forging this diversity in unity?
Is it the forging of a more antiracist and just community? Yes.
Is it becoming more inclusive in the voices we share and amplify throughout the agency? Yes.
Is it increased global awareness and the desire for mutuality in partnering with others? Yes.
Is it organizational re-alignment: A reshaping that helps us retain the good of the past and better fit the future in our call to encourage and equip the church for mission? Yes.
Yet, there is another ancient element that transcends and empowers these contemporary human efforts.
It is the transition of focus from self- and other-reliance to God-reliance. It is God, not we, who sits on the throne. It is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, not our efforts, as valiant and necessary as they are. As creatures jointly worship their Creator — the source of their diverse identity and common humanity — unifying miracles happen that could not happen otherwise.
I pray during this time of transition that we encourage each other to focus on the One who empowers and equips us to fully unfold into what we are called to be as a mission agency. May we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide our flight into the new horizons that await the miracle we are becoming.