Only someone who has God as their ally, ready to offer support. Even the prophet David experienced turmoil, despite proclaiming during his prosperous times, "I will not be shaken forever" (Psalm 29:7). Who can remain unshaken in this place of affliction, this fallen world? The divine decree includes no exceptions: every individual endures the burdens of existence, as it was said to man, "Cursed is the ground for your sake" (Gen. 3:17). God declared that "Thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you" (Gen. 3:18). Even Paul, a chosen instrument of the Lord, felt deeply burdened despite the Lord Jesus’ sufferings liberating him from the curse of the former judgment, as he grappled with the demands of the sinful law. It was only through Christ’s assistance that he managed to liberate himself from the pull of his own flesh and the looming shadow of death.
We have grasped the essential meaning of these verses, yet we must seek a deeper understanding of what the "place of suffering" is. Could it represent this world engulfed in wickedness (1 John 5:19)? Or our flesh, where our spirit is humbled in its coexistence? Or perhaps it is the trials we face while dwelling in this body? We groan under our burdens, yearning not for humility but for a garment of glory (2 Corinthians 5:4). However, we must strive earnestly, anticipating the mortal being swallowed up by life (2 Cor. 5:4); we are called to cast off the mortal, though shedding this attire is far simpler than being enveloped. One should not believe there is a distinction between those who brush it aside and those who await the embrace of life: shed grace, embrace repentance; dismiss lofty aspirations, find fulfillment in effort. Is there any doubt that this is the realm of suffering? For the body is destined for death, and within it, the shadow of death looms. Thus, we must continually look to the Word of God, this Light that reveals the paths for our souls and the inner steps of our thoughts. Then, this spiritual light will illuminate the darkness associated with the flesh.
The translation of Aquila also provides valuable insight into "the place of affliction." It reads, "For You have humbled us in a place of sirens" (Psalm 43:20). This implies the flesh is not inherently vice-ridden, but rather what tarnishes it causes its corruption. The sirens are referenced elsewhere in Scripture as beings who, with alluring voices, lured sailors to disaster by enticing them toward perilous shores. When they pursued these enchanting sounds, ships met ruin upon rocks. This old legend serves as a metaphor: the danger lies not in the shore but in the seductive calls. Similarly, there is no innate vice in our flesh; rather, it is driven by what provokes and entices it. Consider another example: the sea remains tranquil until a storm arises, turning it perilous. Our understanding of these verses aligns closely with that of the Seventy Interpreters, who translated it as "For You have humbled us" (Psalm 43:20).
In Deuteronomy, it states: "When you go out to battle against your enemies, and the Lord your God delivers them into your hands, and you take them captive, and you see among the captives a beautiful woman, and desire her" (Deut. 21:10-11) - following this is the directive: "But if you dislike her afterwards, you shall let her go free" (Deut. 21:14). Here it illustrates that her nature did not bring shame upon her, but rather her violator. Thus, her humiliation stemmed from an act that transformed her flesh into something sinful and wretched. Consider another example: if a young woman pledged to her husband is violated in the city, both the perpetrator and the victim face death (Deut. 22:23-24). Here, she is brought low by the one who has corrupted her. Numerous confirmations abound in Scripture. In Deut. 22:28-29, it again emphasizes that it is not the flesh’s nature that brings disgrace; rather, it is sin. It cannot be denied that the flesh can become debased: through circumstances, temptations, or weakness. Yes, it was the serpent that enticed her, a formidable foe. Before sin invaded our nature, humanity was endowed with grace: Adam walked with God, lived beautifully in paradise, and shimmered with divine favor. Was he described as humiliated in the beginning? No. It was only after he transgressed God’s command that he experienced degradation. That original sin, of course, has been passed to us. While dwelling in these bodies, we often resist the call to transcend and be united with the Lord. Thus, our souls yearn to ascend to God while our corruptible bodies burden us (Wisdom of Solomon 9:15), pulling our hearts down and making submission difficult. Our aspirations become encased as if trapped within a shell, held back by the fleshly mind, which struggles to obey.
Having addressed humanity, let us consider the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is no doubt He assumed flesh. He willingly humbled Himself to death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). We must closely examine these words with care. He willingly wore our nature and embraced our servitude, becoming like men, not merely in form but as one who bore the weight of sin, for all humanity is in bondage to sin. Hence, He appeared as a man (Philippians 2:7). It is written of Him, "And He is a man; and who can know Him?" (Jeremiah 17:9). He manifested as a man, and yet in His deeds, He surpassed human limitations. It is noted that "As a man, He humbled Himself" (Philippians 2:7-8). God approached those in need to bring them liberation. In doing so, He humbled Himself for our benefit. His body is not akin to mortal flesh because it embodies life itself. His flesh is not a mere shadow (Psalm 43:20); instead, it radiates divine glory. His body contains no evil because it encompasses grace that comforts all. He humbled Himself to teach us the true essence of humility and servitude. Let us hear again the words He spoke: "Learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11:29). His humility invites our exaltation, for "whoever humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12). Yet, not every act of humiliation leads to exaltation; many are brought low by their own transgressions and face ruin. However, the Lord embraced death so that He could rise from its confines. This is the grace of Christ, a true testament to His love for us!
Following Christ's coming, our flesh, once overshadowed by death, has been transformed by the Lord’s grace and now emanates its own light. Thus, it is declared: "The lamp of the body is the eye" (Matthew 6:22). We must clarify that the eye referred to is not the outer, but the inner eye. If your inner vision is clear, your entire being will be illuminated (Matt. 6:22). This internal eye brings light to the body; conversely, if it is clouded, darkness pervades (Matthew 6:23). We see both light and darkness emerge from the same source within ourselves. Thus, we become either light or darkness depending on our choices: we can reside in the shadows of our sins or revel in the light of righteousness. The decision awaits us—consequences of grace or judgment rest on our shoulders. God acts justly; the light exists within us, given freely in our innocence, and our hearts remain pure until sullied by the temptations of youth. We, in turn, darken what was meant to shine brightly. Hence, the same eye, the human mind, may be clouded for the sinner or illuminate for the righteous. As Simmach’s translation puts it, "He struck us in a desolate place" (Psalm 43:20). We might feel the sting of hardship when deprived of divine protection, while our surroundings suffer under the weight of the curse, rife with worldly temptations. Our Lord Jesus Christ has not yet graced this land, leading to the plight of those who fail to seek the light of His mercy.
Moreover, when we confront temptations and distractions from the world, we should not, like the ancient hero, become entrapped and deaf to truth. If we recognize someone speaking contrary to our faith—precarious and harmful discussions—we must cease to listen, for that is how we become enveloped by the shadow of death (Psalm 43:20). And should such disputes arise, let us turn to the Word of God for guidance, for it illuminates our hearts with wisdom.
THEOSIS