THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
He did not express, “I have observed the righteousness of my people, or their transformation for the better," but rather their suffering, and I have listened to their pleas. Do you see the compassionate Father providing assistance solely for the purpose of enduring hardship? Unlike humans, not every afflicted individual receives pardon; often when we witness slaves being punished and tormented, we do not ease their pain by highlighting the severity of their transgressions. However, God intervenes here solely in response to suffering, and not only rescues from distress but also grants profound safety: "He heard me," he states, "who brought me out into the open" (Psalms 117:5). Suffering was also allowed so that those in anguish might become more virtuous and perceptive.
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The advantage of trial lies in it drawing them toward sincere prayer; the readiness of mercy is evident as it swiftly manifests to those who cry out. God performed a similar act in Egypt, proclaiming, “I saw the affliction of My people in Egypt, and heard their cry from their taskmasters; I am aware of their sorrows, and I will come to deliver them from the hand of the Egyptians and lead them out of this land.” Likewise, beloved, while in distress, do not lose hope or be cowardly; rather, especially in such moments, uplift your spirit, for your prayers will be more sincere and the grace of God more abundant. Spend all your time laboring, knowing that “all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12), and that “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Thus, do not desire a life of ease and neglect, nor choose the broad path that does not lead to heaven; instead, take the narrow and challenging way. If you aspire to reach the higher places, turn away from pleasures, reject worldly pride, disdain wealth, fame, and authority; embrace humility, a contrite spirit, repentance, and tears of sorrow, striving for all that can lead to salvation. The one who chooses this path is free from peril, and their prayers rise higher. If you align yourself accordingly and call upon God with such a heart, He will assuredly respond to you. In Psalm 119, there is no glory in life, no abundance of righteousness, nor proof of virtue, but only cries and tears, similar to what was experienced in Egypt. It was said, “I saw the affliction of my people in Egypt, and heard their cries,” not because they turned to the truth, but rather because they found it sufficient to seek God for their salvation. Is this sufficient for reconciliation with God? Surely, the prophet affirms, because He is compassionate and has mercy on you: He will show you mercy, responding to the sound of your cry. In Isaiah 30, let us be diligent in our prayers; it is a powerful weapon when done earnestly, without pride, from a sincere heart; it has caused enemies to retreat, it has favored an entire nation, despite its unworthiness: “I saw the affliction of my people in Egypt, and heard their cry...,” says God, “...and I will come to deliver them...”; it is the healing balm that shields from sin and restores from wrongdoing.
God yearns to free His creation from this bondage, showing compassion to the weary, just as He once witnessed the suffering of the Israelites and liberated them through the exodus.