When Israel emerged from Egypt, and when Jacob's descendants departed from a foreign land, Judah became His sanctuary, and Israel His dominion (Psalm 112:1-2). The sea witnessed this and fled, and the Jordan turned back (Psalm 112:3). We should not conflate these historical instances solely with our present reality, but rather see them as foreshadowing future events. The scripture conveys a message that not only recounts past miracles but also speaks to our future. The original details may differ from common understanding, showcasing that these accounts are neither a repetition of history nor mere predictions. Specifically, it does not mention the Jordan directly flowing back but rather stopping at the point closest to its source, allowing the people to cross. The imagery of mountains leaping and hills skipping like lambs was added later (Psalm 113:4), followed by a questioning of these natural phenomena: "What ails you, O sea, that you fled? and you, O Jordan, that you turned back?" (Psalm 112:5). The mountains bounced like sheep, and the hills like young lambs (Psalm 112:6).
Let us reflect on the lessons presented here, as these events hold significance for us. By embracing the grace of God bestowed upon us, we become part of Israel, Abraham's offspring, as affirmed by the Apostle (Galatians 3:29). No Christian should deem themselves unconnected to Israel, for we are joined together through Christ, the cornerstone, alongside believing Jews like the original apostles. Our Lord also declared: "And I have other sheep that are not of this fold; I must bring them in, so there will be one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16). Thus, the Christian community can be rightly identified as Israel, equating to the house of Jacob. In contrast, those Jews who turned away and chose carnal pleasures traded their inheritance, siding with Esau rather than Jacob, highlighted by the saying that the elder would serve the younger.
Egypt symbolizes suffering and oppression and often represents the world, from which we must spiritually distance ourselves to avoid sharing in the burdens of unbelievers (2 Corinthians 6:14). Every individual becomes a true citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem upon renouncing worldly attachments, similar to how Israel could not enter the promised land without first leaving Egypt. Just as they awaited divine deliverance, we too require God's grace to depart from worldly distractions. What served as a type in the past is now fulfilled for every faithful believer within the daily life of the Church in these last days, as noted in 1 John 2:18. The Apostle, in his wisdom, stated: "I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that our ancestors were all under the cloud and passed through the sea; they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and ate the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual drink; for they drank from the spiritual rock that accompanied them, and that rock was Christ. Nevertheless, God was not pleased with most of them; their bodies were scattered in the wilderness" (1 Corinthians 10:1-6). This testimony underscores that events may have historically occurred, yet they serve as a glimpse into our salvation. While the future was foretold, the past is now revealed, and our present is acknowledged.
Consider the marvel that the deeper truths of ancient texts reveal more about our faith. As the prophet Micah proclaims, "In the days of your exodus from Egypt, I will show him wonders..." The Psalm suggests that while prophecy looks ahead, it also revisits the past. Phrases like "Judah was His sanctuary," and others in the past tense, convey historical actions with contemporary significance. Although these words were penned long after the exit from Egypt and prior to the establishment of the Church, they nonetheless foreshadow future realities. The prophecy states, "I will show him wonders," projecting that nations will witness and be ashamed (Micah 7:15). The lines "the sea saw and fled," indicate how through these historic reflections, the future unfolds; who could claim such phrases as referential to mere history? Furthermore, these echoes of past events hint at our ongoing battle against sins which pursued us like the Egyptians, and are ultimately subdued and drowned in Baptism—their sins cast into the depths of the sea.
So, dear ones, as you identify yourselves as true Israelites, children of Abraham and heirs of the promise, recognize that you too have spiritually exited Egypt by renouncing worldly ways. You have distanced yourselves from a foreign nation through righteous living, separating from the blasphemies of the Gentiles. It is not your voice but alien tongues that cannot proclaim the praises of God, to whom you offer Hallelujah. Judah has become His sanctuary within you, for true identity as a Jew comes from inward transformation and heart circumcision, not outward observance (Romans 2:28-29). Therefore, assess your hearts for true faith and cleansing through confession. In you, Judah is His sanctuary, and Israel His kingdom. He has granted you the authority to be His children (John 1:12).
I urge you not to dwell on the shifting Jordan or anticipate anything grim. The Lord rebukes those who turn away from Him (Jeremiah 2:27). Anyone who forsakes the source of their being and turns their back on their Creator—a river flowing into the sea—will inevitably find themselves engulfed in worldly wickedness. It is good, then, if they turn back, bringing God, who once was behind them, back into view, while the troubles of this world retreat into the background. As they forget what lies behind, they may focus on what lies ahead (Philippians 3:13), which will be beneficial post-conversion.
Tremble, O earth, in the presence of the Lord, before the God of Jacob (Psalm 113:7). What does it mean to be in the presence of the Lord but to be with Him who promised: "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). The earth trembled, yet He aids those who approach Him with diligence, enhancing their strength as they stand firmly before Him.
He is the one who transforms solid rock into flowing water and flint into springs (Psalm 113:8). He softened Himself and dissolved what seemed unyielding, providing refreshment to those who believe, so He may become within them a fountain of water welling up to eternal life (John 4:14). In their ignorance, some stumbled at His hard teachings and failed to recognize His revelations in the Scriptures. The hardness of that rock became new life, waters of spiritual refreshment, during His resurrection, when He opened their understanding, beginning from Moses and all the prophets, demonstrating how the Christ must suffer (Luke 24:26-27). He issued the invitation: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" (John 7:37).
THEOSIS