THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
The Lord will respond to me, "Even if Moses and Samuel were to arise, they could not save this people." This implies that the God of Israel likely believed those who turned to idolatry could find relief through Moses and Samuel due to their powerful intercession, whereas I, having come to Him repeatedly, have not been able to make a significant impact. He often finds himself in dire circumstances, which leads him to listen to God's words of comfort. However, despite these intercessors, this people has remained unyielding and stubborn, failing to be swayed or improved.
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Someone might ask what need there is for intercessory prayer when one leads a righteous life. Never utter such thoughts! Every individual stands in need of prayer, and often many prayers at that. Consider what the Lord declared about Job's companions: "He shall pray for you, and your transgressions will be forgiven" (Job 42:8). Although they sinned, their offenses were not insurmountable. Interestingly, this same righteous man, whose prayers saved his friends, was unable to avert the fate of the Jewish people during their time of trial. To emphasize this point, hear what God conveyed through the prophet: "Even if these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they would deliver neither son nor daughter, but only they themselves" (Ezekiel 14:14-18), for wickedness reigned supreme. Furthermore, God speaks of Moses and Samuel, whose intercessions, although earnest, yielded no positive result for the people.
Jeremiah, who was less affected by God’s directives but more so by the iniquity of the people, is reminded by God, "Do you not see what they are doing?" (Jer. 7:17). Indeed, Jeremiah acknowledges their wrongdoings, yet God's purpose remains steadfast. God responds, "Even if Moses and Samuel were to stand before Me." Moses, the inaugural lawgiver, repeatedly interceded for the people, pleading, "Forgive their sin, and if not, erase me also from Your book" (Exodus 32:32). If he were here now, he would have no chance to advocate, nor would Samuel, who also faithfully delivered them from peril and gained great respect from the people since his youth. I once spoke with Moses directly, not in riddles, and with Samuel, I appeared to him as a child, granting him the gift of prophecy during a time when "the word of the Lord was rare and visions were infrequent" (1 Sam. 3:1). Thus, even if both were present, their intervention would prove ineffective.
Therefore, let us not disregard the prayers of the saints, nor depend solely on them. We must seek a balance: observing the saints' intercessions to avoid laziness and idleness while relying on our own efforts to not miss out on the immense blessings they offer. Instead, let us implore them to intercede on our behalf while we cultivate virtue in our lives, so we may receive the promised rewards for those who love God, all through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ. To Him, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, be glory, power, and honor forever and ever. Amen.