THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Despite this strong assurance, we remain hopeful for the reward of our efforts, even when our endeavors for your salvation seem fruitless. In such moments, we resemble farmers who sigh, weep, and hide in embarrassment. Here, we see the joint responsibility of the educator and the nurturing spirit of a parent. Moses, despite having the option to distance himself from the ungrateful Israelites and thereby become an esteemed ancestor of a larger nation—'Leave Me,' God told him, 'and I will destroy them and raise up a great nation from you' (Exod. 32:10)—could not accept such a proposition. Rather than be saved alone, he chose to share in the fate of the people entrusted to his care. This exemplifies the true shepherd of souls.
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It would indeed be peculiar for someone to have wayward children yet prefer to be known as the father of others instead of his own; similarly, it would be odd for us to continuously transfer the disciples entrusted to us, assigning authority indiscriminately without genuine affection for any of them. Let us dismiss any such doubts about you. We firmly believe that you are overflowing with faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and love for one another and for all people. We share this to inspire you to enhance your fervor and further cultivate virtue in your lives.
When they committed wrongdoings, see how He disciplined them. God contemplated discarding them, but Moses interceded; it was in fact God's work. He issued warnings just as a father does, while Moses, in the role of teacher, implored Him, saying, "Take these people into my hands from this point forward." Thus, the wilderness became a genuine school of instruction.