25. Путник и вождь

We see in this world that a traveler, to whom the path to the intended place is unfamiliar and unknown, demands and looks for a leader, but without a leader he gets lost and does not reach the intended place. Beloved Christians! We are travelers in this world and want to reach the heavenly Fatherland we desire, as said above - the Fatherland, which we lost through sin. Desired, kind, sweet, beautiful, calm, peaceful and all kinds of blessings, which “eye has not seen, nor ear has heard, nor entered into the heart of man” (1 Cor. 2:9), filled with the Fatherland. The Fatherland, which we look at with tearful eyes from this deplorable vale. Precious, I say, this is the Fatherland, but the path to it is unknown and scary to us. Unknown - because we don’t know how to get there. Terrible - because countless demons, like robbers, surround him, and hinder those walking, and try to prevent him from reaching him. We certainly require a skillful and wise leader in such an important matter. Where should we look for him? In the wise and reasonable of this age? No! For everyone, not only the simple, but also the wise, having lost their way, strayed from this path: “all... like sheep gone astray; man has turned aside from his way" (Isaiah 53:6). Therefore, the wisest centuries of this year require a leader for this Patronymic. Where should we look for him? Prophets, apostles and teachers all point to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He alone is the faithful and wise Leader of the heavenly Fatherland. No one will come there unless He leads, as He Himself testifies, saying: “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). God, wanting to lead Israel out of the slavery of Egypt and bring them to the Promised Land, sent Moses, His faithful servant, to this great task, who led Israel out of bitter slavery and led them through the desert to the Promised Land. After the death of Moses, the Lord raised up Joshua as their leader, who led the people of God into the land boiling with honey and milk. Christian! Moses, Joshua prefigured Jesus Christ, the Son of God; old Israel - new Israel, Christians; Egyptian slavery is a difficult slavery to the devil; passing through the sea - holy Baptism; walking through the desert of Israel is the life of Christians in this world. The Promised Land means the heavenly Fatherland. God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to us, so that He, having led us out of the slavery of the devil, would lead us to His Heavenly Father. The Heavenly Father testifies about Him from heaven: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; Listen to Him” (Matthew 17:5). All the prophets, apostles and church teachers testify about Him and teach us to follow Him. “Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps” (1 Peter 2:21). And He Himself says: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do the same as I have done to you” (John 13:15). And again: “Whoever serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there will my servant also be” (John 12:26). All the saints followed him, and he led them to a land boiling with honey and milk of heavenly sweetness. His faithful servants now follow Him. They follow with faith, love, humility, patience, meekness. And he leads them to this Fatherland, and, like the Good Shepherd, taking them on His shoulders, brings them to His Heavenly Father. O Christians! Let us also join this blessed and holy squad, and follow Jesus with faith, love, humility, and he will lead us not to the land of Canaan, but to the eternal kingdom of God, and will give each his own lot. O Jesus, Power of our salvation! Guide me on Your path, draw me along with You, let us run. You might be interested in: