Let not the alteration of the rod into a serpent confuse devout Christians because the sacramental symbolism involves a creature of an opposing nature. The Truth Himself embraces this imagery, as stated in the Gospel: “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up” (John 3:14). This statement is unambiguous: the father of sin is metaphorically referred to as the serpent in Scripture, thus anything that originates from the serpent is certainly a serpent as well. This indicates that sin is eternal alongside its originator. Yet the apostolic writings affirm that the Lord became sin on our behalf (2 Cor. 5:21), embracing our sinful nature. Therefore, this metaphor correctly applies to the Lord. As sin represents a serpent, and since the Lord took on sin, He also embodied a serpent for us, aiming to consume and annihilate the serpents of the Egyptians that had come to life through the magicians. Once this was achieved, He reverted to a rod, which serves to execute judgment on those who sin and to provide rest to those who tread the arduous path of righteousness, leaning in trust upon the rod of faith: for “faith is the substance of things hoped for” (Hebrews 11:1).
Consequently, one who comprehends this becomes a challenger to those who deny the truth, left astonished by the futile and deceptive charms of this world, which they regard as significant while failing to heed the Almighty: as Pharaoh declared, “Who is the Lord that I should obey His voice and let the children of Israel go? I do not know the Lord, nor will I let Israel go” (Ex. 5:2). The only thing esteemed by those fixated on material pleasures is that which is tangible and fleshly. However, if anyone is empowered by the illuminating light and gains strength to confront adversaries, he prepares himself like a diligent wrestler, boldly ready to battle his foes, wielding the rod, which symbolizes the word of faith that conquers the Egyptian serpents.
Thus, when one dedicated to virtue seeks to guide those trapped in falsehood towards a life of righteousness and freedom, the adversary of our souls, as the Apostle noted, employs various schemes (Eph. 6:11) to counteract Divine truth with alluring deceptions. I refer specifically to these Egyptian serpents—representing the diverse cunning of wickedness—created void by the rod of Moses, which has already been sufficiently addressed. He who possesses this indomitable rod of virtue, which dismantles the snares of evil, ultimately rises to extraordinary deeds. Such miracles are not intended merely to astonish spectators but to benefit those who are being saved; through the miracles of virtue, adversarial forces are vanquished, and their communities flourish.
Let us first seek to comprehend the overarching goals of these private miracles, which will enable us to appreciate each miracle in its own right. The truth teaches differently depending on the receptivity of those receiving it. While the message is revealed to all, those who embrace this truth find enlightenment, while those who refuse to direct their souls towards the truth's illumination remain enshrouded in ignorance. If our understanding of such matters is not wholly misguided, it certainly retains its integrity in finer details, as has been demonstrated in individual contemplation of the message.
THEOSIS