This psalm bears the title "For the sharpened." As you have observed, dear friends, there is no mention within its verses of a press, or wine-basket, or any sort of construction tools; the text does not even refer to a lathe. The absence of such references makes it clear that the intent behind the title is greater than its literal implication. Had it explicitly addressed these physical items, those focused on worldly matters might interpret it as a composition concerning tangible lathes. However, since such topics are omitted, I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit intended to reveal deeper truths regarding another kind of sharpening. Let us reflect on the operations of visible mills and discern how they symbolize spiritual realities within the Church. The grapes hang freely on their vines, while olives dangle from their branches. Presses are typically made for these two fruits, yet while they remain unpressed, neither wine nor oil is produced. This reflects the state of individuals whom God foreordained to be molded into the likeness of His Son, as stated in Romans 8:29. This Son, especially during His Passion, was subjected to profound anguish as a significant figure. Thus, those who are similarly destined, prior to their divine service, enjoy a semblance of delightful freedom in the world, resembling hanging grapes or olives. Yet, as it is noted, "My son, when you come to serve God, prepare your soul for temptation" (Sirach 2:1). Every person stepping into the service of the Lord discovers that they have arrived before the sharpener; they will face trials and tribulations not to suffer unto death, but to be enriched and transformed by God's treasures. The layers of fleshly desires are stripped away, akin to the skins of grapes; as the Apostle instructs us, “Put off the old man, and put on the new man.” This transformation occurs solely through pressure, which is why the assemblies of God in our time are compared to sharpeners.
But who, then, are those bound in this sharpening? They are the sons of Korah. Following this, we read: "to the sons of Korah." The phrase is meant for the sons of Korah, or those who are bereft; at least that is how we might interpret it according to our understanding of this language and their divine service. Undergoing pressure, we are indeed broken, so that through the sorrows, tribulations, and many temptations we experience in this life, arising from an attachment to fleeting and perishable things, we may begin to yearn for a rest that is unattainable in this world. And so, the Lord becomes the refuge of the afflicted. Who is this poor man? One who is stripped of worldly help, lacking security, and possessing nothing upon which to lean. God is particularly near to such a poor person. For even those abundant in earthly wealth are often filled more with anxiety than joy. Indeed, what is more unstable than material riches? Here, it is not the inherent nature of money that is flawed; it is simply transient in nature. Hence, individuals who seem to possess wealth remain spiritually impoverished. Those who desire such wealth, yet lack it, are sadly numbered among the rich who will be rejected; for God values desire over mere strength. Thus, the truly needy are deprived of worldly goods, fully aware of their fleeting nature. They cry out to God, finding no comfort in temporal possessions, and by enduring hardship and temptation, akin to the process within a lathe, they become transformed into good desires—like oil or wine. For what are these but the deep longings for God alone? They turn away from earthly affections to embrace Him, the Creator of heaven and earth. Their desires are postponed to enrich; they are enriched to receive. For what God offers to those who seek Him is immeasurable, yet it demands significant effort to be prepared for such a grand gift. Only through God, the Creator of all, can one find everlasting fulfillment. "Exercise yourself to receive God," that which you shall inherit for eternity, you shall earnestly desire throughout your lifetime.
Therefore, beloved, as each of you is able, make vows and offer what you can to the Lord. Let no one look back or be comforted by past interests; let no one abandon what lies ahead to turn back to what is behind. Let each strive onward, for we do not race with our feet but with our desires. No one should claim to have arrived in this life; who can claim perfection as Paul did? (Philippians 3:13) He himself declared, "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it."
If you sense the burdens of this world, even during moments of happiness, you realize that you are in the grinder... Thus, when the world presents you with joy, remind yourself that you have encountered hardship and heaviness, and you have called upon the name of the Lord. He did not mention trivial troubles, often unnoticed by those who falsely perceive happiness while being distant from God. For the scripture states, "While we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord" (2 Corinthians 5:6). Would you not feel miserable if separated from your father? How can one be truly joyful without the Lord? Some may think themselves content, but those who recognize that even amid abundance and pleasure, though all things yield to their will, are aware that they remain in a dire state when away from the Lord. With keen discernment, they uncover their troubles and call upon God’s name. Such individuals sing this psalm. Who are they? The Body of Christ. It includes you and all who choose to be part of it, for the Body of Christ is one... "How lovely are Your tabernacles, O Lord of hosts" (Psalm 82:1). He was found in one tabernacle marked by suffering, yet he longed for others devoid of pressure; from this one, he flowed into the rest through fervent longing.
And what follows? "My soul thirsts and longs for the courts of the Lord" (Psalm 83:2). It is not enough that it strives and fails. Why does it fail? To reach the courts of the Lord. Grapes when crushed may fail, but for a purpose: to turn into wine, flow into the vat, and be stored quietly for later. Here, desires are treasured, while on the other side, joy abounds; here, prayers ascend, while there, praises resound; here, groans emerge, and there, exultation arises. None should be embarrassed about these reflections, nor shy away from the call to endure hardships. There is a peril that grapes fearing the pressure of sharpening will neither be consumed nor yield fruitful results...
You have heard cries from the press, "My soul languishes and longs for the courts of the Lord." Notice how it holds firm, rejoicing in hope: "My heart and my flesh have rejoiced in the living God." Here, we see the source of joy: one’s rejoicing in the living God. What have you celebrated? "My heart and my flesh" as they rejoice together. Why rejoice? "For the sparrow has found a home, and the turtledove a nest where she may lay her young" (Psalm 83:3). What do these signify? The psalmist mentions two elements, pairing them with two birds that correspond: the heart of man as the sparrow, and the flesh as the dove. The sparrow finds a home; my heart finds a home. It stretches its wings within life's virtues—faith, hope, and love—that allow it to soar back to its true refuge. When it reaches its home, the sobbing voice it currently raises will cease. For it is the same sorrowful sparrow referenced in another psalm: "Like a sparrow alone on the rooftop." The sparrow flies from the rooftop back home; let it perch there, stepping away from its earthly existence, to embrace a heavenly and eternal abode. This sparrow’s lamentation shall be silenced. The dove, with its flesh, has found a nest for nurturing its young. The sparrow finds a house, and the dove a nest for its offspring. One is chosen for eternity, while the other serves for a time. In the heart, we contemplate God, akin to a sparrow entering its abode. In the flesh, we engage in good works, for many virtuous actions are performed by the physical being of the righteous. We fulfill His commandments: "Break your bread with the hungry, and bring the poor and homeless into your house, and clothe the naked" (Isaiah 58:7); such deeds are carried out through our physical existence...
Consider, brethren, how many perform good works outside the Church; how many Gentiles feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, visit the sick, and comfort the imprisoned? Many accomplish these acts. A dove may nurture its young without finding a proper nest. Indeed, how many deeds can heretics accomplish outside the Church? They lack the means to place their young in a secure nest. They will be trampled upon, forsaken, and neglected...
In this faith lies the essence of your offspring; in that secure nest, do your work. For what these nests represent is clear. In declaring, "The dove has found a nest for herself where she may lay her young," you may inquire, "What is this nest?" Your altars, O Lord of Hosts, are my King and my God. Who is my King and my God? He who reigns over me and created me.
"Blessed are those who dwell in your house" (Psalm 83:4). If you rely solely on your own home, you are impoverished; yet if you rest in God's house, you are rich. In your own domain, fear of thieves prevails; yet in God's house, He Himself is a protective wall. Therefore, blessed are those who dwell therein; they inherit the heavenly Jerusalem freely, without compulsion or division, where everyone possesses everything. Such wealth is tremendous; the abundance does not impede others. What will they engage in there? Among humans, need dictates all actions. Reflect on all endeavors and determine if necessity is their origin. Even the most esteemed arts—public speaking and medicine—depend on need; without conflicts, who could benefit from legal expertise? Without injuries and maladies, how would a physician heal? All our daily necessities arise from need. If hunger, thirst, and nakedness were absent, what would remain?
THEOSIS