Thus, souls are made weighty so that they no longer easily divert their gaze from their divine purpose, but instead become rooted in Him through the steadfast weight of permanence. However, it is pointed out by the prophet that men are easily swayed: and he went, turning away, the way of his heart. I have seen his ways, and I let him go. Isaiah 57:17-18. Yet, the profound judgment of the heart eliminates all capricious wandering. There are souls that, easily swayed, follow one set of aims at one moment and another at the next. The Almighty evaluates these fleeting shifts in human minds with great scrutiny; He allows the mind's decisions to follow the heart's erratic inclinations. When, however, He shows grace towards the wandering soul, He establishes it with firmness of intent. Hence it is rightly asked, Who has assigned a weight to the winds? This indicates that the fluctuating movements of the mind, when observed with mercy through divine grace, lead it to the growth of steadfastness. Alternatively, ‘Who hath made weight for the winds’ can refer to the glory achieved from virtuous endeavors, which, despite our frailties, the elect are granted. He weighs the waters in accordance with the measure. Job 28:25.
In Scripture, the term ‘waters’ is often associated with the Holy Spirit, sacred knowledge, misguided knowledge, the flow of nations, or the hearts of the faithful. Thus, ‘waters’ can be understood as the infiltration of the Holy Spirit, as stated in the Gospel: He that believeth in Me, as the Scripture saith, Out of the womb shall flow rivers of living water. Jn. 7:38-39. The term is also used to signify sacred knowledge, as indicated in: And give him the water of wisdom to drink. Sir. 15:3. Conversely, ‘waters’ can represent erroneous knowledge, as when Solomon notes that a woman, likened to heresy, sweetly entices: Stolen waters are sweet. Proverbs 9:17. The word may also indicate overwhelming afflictions, as expressed by the Psalmist: Save me, O God, for the waters have reached even to my soul. Psalms 68:2. ‘Waters’ signify the nations, with John affirming: now the waters are the nations. Additionally, ‘waters’ represent not only nations but also the minds of righteous individuals who heed the call of faith, as the prophet proclaims: Blessed are ye that sow upon all waters. Isaiah 32:20. The psalmist notes: The voice of the Lord is over the waters. Psalms 28:3. Here, it is reasonable to interpret ‘waters’ as the hearts of the elect, who, in accordance with Wisdom’s understanding, have received the divine hearing of the heavenly voice. Concerning this, he correctly states, And weighs the water according to the measure. Consequently, the saints who, through the Holy Spirit, experience elevation in this life do not swell with independent joy but are maintained in humility amidst trials; their strength is measured out in proportion to their desires, preventing any ascent to pride.
Thus, Elijah, amidst many triumphs, was brought low by a mere measure when he fled from Jezebel, a simple weak woman. Contemplate this man of incredible power, who called down fire from heaven, halted the rain with a word, revived the dead, foresaw future events, yet fled in fear of a single woman. I witness this man afflicted by fear, seeking death by the hand of God, yet also fearing the hand of a woman and fleeing to escape. In his moment of despair, he pleaded, ‘This is enough; and now, O Lord, take my soul; for I am no better than my fathers.’ 1 Samuel 19:4. What explains his strength in performing miracles while simultaneously displaying weakness in the face of a woman? Is it not because ‘water is weighed according to measure’ — thus, these holy men are exalted by God’s power yet simultaneously constrained by their inherent frailties? In these feats, Elijah learned what he received from God; in these weaknesses, he understood his own nature. Strength reveals the gifts he has received, while weaknesses protect those gifts. In the realm of miracles, Elijah was lifted high; in moments of weakness, he found safety.
Similarly, I observe Paul, who, despite facing dangers from nature and hostile individuals, cities and wildernesses, land and sea, subdued his flesh through fasting and prayer, enduring cold and nakedness while vigilantly tending to the welfare of the churches. 2 Cor. 11:26. He was taken to the third heaven, glimpsed Paradise, and heard words so profound they cannot be spoken to man; yet, he was plagued by the messenger of Satan, praying for relief but receiving none. Reflecting on his conversion, I see heavenly grace open the heavens to him as Jesus reveals Himself from above. Temporarily blinded in body, he gains eternal illumination of the heart. He meets Ananias, the chosen vessel. Acts 9:15. Yet, even after entering that city following his vision of Jesus, he is compelled to escape, as he recounts: In Damascus the regional governor of King Aretas kept watch over the city, seeking to seize me; through a window, in a basket, I was let down by the wall, thus evading his grasp. 2 Cor. 11:32-33. I would ask him, ‘O Paul, how is it that having seen Jesus in heaven you still flee from a man on earth? You’ve been to Paradise, heard God’s hidden truths, yet you are still vexed by Satan’s messenger?’ How can you be so mighty to ascend to Heaven and yet so weak as to flee from mere mortals? If not for the reality that He who elevates you can again confine you, so that even in your miracles, you might reveal God’s power, and in your fears, remind us of our vulnerabilities. And lest your frailty lead us to despair, you clarified this for us, after your fervent prayer for strength: ‘My grace is sufficient for you; for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ 2 Cor. 12:9.
Therefore, even the voice of God confirms that weakness safeguards strength. We find significant growth inwardly when, by divine will, we are tested through external challenges, whether by sinful inclinations or tribulations. Great individuals of virtue do not shy away from confronting these temptations and opposing forces. Thus, for our encouragement, the eminent preacher reflects on his own experiences, stating: I see another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin, which is in my members. Rom. 7:23. The flesh drags down what the Spirit endeavors to elevate, while the Spirit aims for heights that the flesh cannot attain. The Spirit raises us so we do not succumb to the earthly worship of this world, while the flesh weighs us down to prevent lofty self-exaltation. If the flesh entices but the Spirit does not elevate, the flesh will decisively bring us low. Conversely, should the Spirit lift us without the flesh’s temptation, the higher our ascent, the more pronounced the risk of pride. Through divine governance, it occurs that although each saint internally reaches true elevation, they are still outwardly tempted. This balance ensures that one neither falls into despair nor becomes prideful, as they do not permit temptation to become a transgression. Their inward aspiration remains aligned upward, and that aspiration is kept in check from pride by the outward trials that humble them. Thus, with a high internal desire, we receive a clearer vision of our external weaknesses, leading to a divine equilibrium whereby a soul is neither exalted through earthly virtue nor disheartened by earthly challenges. By divine oversight, the spirit ascends while the flesh restrains, allowing the soul to remain grounded in divine truth, balancing between the lesser and the highest. Thus it was well said:
THEOSIS