The Word, who had not yet taken on flesh, did not self-initiate His role as servant through the favor of God the Father, but was appointed as such from the moment of His earthly birth. Although God is free by nature, as both divine and a liberating Father, He took on the form of a servant or created being. No one, when considering the essence of servitude, would argue that the very nature of a servant equates to being in bondage; rather, it is the one who transcends servitude and is characterized by the virtues of true freedom who can willingly adopt the condition of a servant. The Son, being free, chose this path voluntarily—how could one question this, especially when Paul states that He is in the likeness of God and did not consider it theft to be equal with God? Instead, He willingly descended into the form of a servant, becoming like humanity. The divine nature was present with Him; yet, when He paid the temple tax, He presented Himself to the world in the guise of a servant, not out of coercion, but as one truly free. When the tax collectors questioned Peter about whether Christ would pay the tribute with others, the Lord replied, “From whom do the kings of the earth receive tribute? From their sons or from others?” After Peter affirmed that kings collect from others, Jesus declared, “Free are the sons; however, to avoid offending them, let us pay the tax.” He instructed Peter to catch a fish from the sea, which would have a coin in its mouth to cover the tax for both of them. Thus, the one who is free by nature became a servant at His birth through the fulfillment of the appointed time of humiliation. He affirmed His role as a servant in saying, “To gather together Jacob and Israel.” Being divine, the Word came to save Israel and unite Jacob, since the author of all evil has led all creatures into numerous sins. Some have been entirely estranged from their Creator, subjected to unclean spirits, bearing the unavoidable burden of sin, and losing all knowledge of the true God, who is Lord of all. Others, having the law of Moses as their guide, were led astray and grew complacent, prioritizing their own desires over the law, thus teaching human doctrines instead of divine commandments. However, when Christ appeared, He gathered what had been scattered by Satan through one righteous and upright covenant, drawing those distant from God’s love back to Him, and by addressing the cause of enmity, sin, He offered peace to all who turn to Him. Divine prophets also urged people toward this reconciliation, as Isaiah declared, “Let us make peace; let us come to Him in peace.” The Lord’s disciples likewise proclaimed: “We beseech you, in Christ's stead, be reconciled to God.” We find reconciliation with God by approaching Christ in faith, as Paul affirms: “God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself.” Thus, through Christ, the world is brought back into harmony with God. The mission of the Incarnation is evident when He states that He was formed as a servant from the womb, sent by the Father to gather Israel and Jacob. If one asserts that this refers specifically to the Jewish people, they have not strayed from the prophetic intent, for Christ Himself declared, “I was not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” If one wishes to identify all who are saved by faith as Israel and Jacob, this interpretation holds true, for true circumcision is not merely physical but involves the inward transformation of the heart, not just outward appearance. Thus, if true Jews are those circumcised in spirit, then those only physically circumcised should not be labeled as Israel and Jacob. The words spoken in the context of the Savior's message are directed at those called by faith, proclaiming, “I will go to Him, I will rejoice before the Lord, and my God will be my strength.” Just as God commands, the fulfillment of these promises will surely follow. However, not all of Israel was saved, as some yielded to disbelief and did not accept the grace of the Gospel. Alongside the faithful remnant, a multitude of Gentiles have also been invited to join the family of Abraham, ensuring that the purpose of Christ’s coming is fully realized, for all who are called Israel and Jacob are united in faith. Therefore, those who respond to Christ’s call promise to approach God, longing for His glory, receiving the radiant joy of sonship, partaking in divine nature, and enjoying the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit, ultimately honoring God as their strength. Such an attitude is appropriate for those who sincerely seek salvation and glory from Him.
THEOSIS