In this world, we often resemble creatures devoid of understanding, sometimes even falling beneath them, for as the Lord reproached the Israelites, “The ox knows his owner, and the donkey knows the manger of his master; but Israel does not know Me, My people do not understand” (Isaiah 1:3). If the people of Judah, who had the law as a guide in their youth, could exhibit such profound ignorance, what can be said about the Gentiles, who were engulfed in the darkness of polytheistic delusion? These individuals, burdened and submissive to their carnal desires, were preoccupied solely with earthly matters, lacking the capacity to extend their thoughts toward the illumination of the divine.
This profound sorrow led the blessed prophets to express their lamentations for humanity’s condition; for as the revered Isaiah declared, “the underworld hath expanded, and opened its mouth without measure” (Isaiah 5:14). This illustrates humanity's inability to rise from sin, weighed down by the relentless grip of Satan’s power. Misguided and miserable, they descended into Sheol even after deliverance. Death, a relentless force, seems to shepherd them there.
Even King David mournfully acknowledged this plight, stating, “As sheep, they shall be led into the underworld; death shall shepherd them” (Psalms 48:15). He also pleaded, “O Shepherd of Israel, hearken; He who led Joseph like a sheep, who sat on the Cherubim, make Himself known. . raise up Thy power, and come to save us” (Psalm 79:2-3). Nevertheless, we are not eternally bound to the dominion of death. Our God and Father has sent the Good Shepherd from heaven, our Lord Jesus Christ, who does not lead His flock to ruin but guides them towards everlasting life and incorruption.
He pastures “among the lilies" and “in the clefts of the mountains,” as stated in Scripture (Hos. 2:16-17, Ezek. 34:14, Ps. 22:2), providing us with spiritual nourishment, quenching our thirst with heavenly streams, and multiplying us among countless nations. Furthermore, the divine James alludes to these truths, signifying them within the shadows, as we endeavor to present both the well-known writings about him and the seemingly obscure events of history in a clearer light.
THEOSIS