THEOSISAmbrose of Milan
Thus, the saint lamented: For my transgressions have exceeded my understanding, weighing heavily upon me (Ps. 37:5). This means that my sins have overwhelmed me, burdening my senses, for a wise individual perceives clearly (Eccl. 2:14). Moreover, Nabal was unrighteous and harsh, as his evil nature dulled his emotions; he could not withstand Abigail’s words, leading to a hardened heart, resulting in his death. Consider this: it is not the physical head about which the apostle warned, stating that one who is arrogant in the flesh will not maintain it (Colossians 2:18-19), for Christ is the head of every believer (1 Corinthians 11:3). Christ is the head who, through unity and connection with all believers, grows into the fullness of God (Col.
Read more (263 words)
2:19), as Christ expands in each of His followers. When our sins bear down upon us, pressing us to the ground as though by an immense weight of sin (Zech. 5:7; Psalm 2:3), we are called to lift the eyes of our hearts and heed His words: Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt. 11:28). Here, the love of money burdened the Egyptians, corrupting the merchants of Ethiopia, as it is written: Egypt laboured extensively, and the trade of the Ethiopians, along with the Sabeans, men of renown, will come to you (Isaiah 45:14). Egypt toiled greatly before embracing the truth, yet it no longer labours after coming to Christ. The Sabeans, who once fled in fear, now follow eagerly, as they are bound by bonds of love stronger than diamond. Isaiah’s proclamation resonates deeply: The whole head is distressed, and the entire heart is troubled. From the soles of his feet to the top of his head, there are no sores, nor scars, nor festering wounds (Isaiah 1:5-6). Sin reigns fiercely, ruling over our minds, rising to take the place meant for Christ, the Lord of repentance. Iniquity holds immense power, and when considering the ‘man of lawlessness,’ one observes that he comes by the influence of Satan, exhibiting all power, signs, wonders, and false miracles, along with every form of deceitfulness (2 Thess. 2:9-10). The apostle cautions us regarding the lawless one, for he will embody the essence of deception, testing the faithful and condemning the unfaithful (2 Thess. 2:11-12).