THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Regardless of whether our leader is Abraham, Moses, David, or the wisest Solomon, if we conduct ourselves poorly, the nature of our misfortunes becomes irrelevant. How does this come to be? Should he be among the most unrighteous and act with impunity, it is the recklessness and lack of restraint in our own lives that has resulted in such a ruler; our transgressions have brought this punishment upon us. To be granted leaders who align with our desires means something different from merely receiving a ruler—be they from the church or state—after having already sinned. Furthermore, even if a leader possesses righteousness comparable to Moses, their virtue alone cannot expunge the significant sins of their followers.
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This is evident in the life of Moses himself, who endured great trials on behalf of the Israelites and prayed fervently for their inheritance of the promised land. Yet, because of their own iniquities, they rendered themselves unworthy of this promise; thus, his petitions could not alter God’s just decree, resulting in the nation’s demise in the wilderness. Who, then, is more righteous than Moses? And who has greater access to God? Although Scripture asserts that “the prayer of the righteous can do much” (James 5:16), such prayers are invigorated by the repentance and transformation of those for whom they are made. However, for those living in an unrepentant and stubborn manner, how can such prayers assist them when their actions obstruct the very aid they seek?