God Is the Savior
Pope Shenouda III reflects on Christ as the Savior, explaining that the essential work of the Lord Jesus Christ is the salvation of man from sin. Salvation does not only mean that Christ carried man’s sins and paid their price, but also that He saves him from falling into sin in the future and from its power and effect. He explains that man often tries to overcome sin through his personal strength, will, and spiritual practices, but he falls when he depends on himself and forgets that salvation comes from the Lord. Therefore, man should realize that the spiritual battle between him, sin, Satan, and the world is the Lord’s battle, and that the Lord is the One who leads him in His victory. Pope Shenouda emphasizes that the examples of David the Prophet, Daniel, the Three Young Men, and Saint Anthony show that man cannot overcome by his own strength, but needs God’s intervention and work.
Spiritual Message
Christ came to save man from sin, from himself, from his falls, and from judgment; therefore, he should trust in Him as a true Savior every day and in every temptation. Man is called to place all his burdens and sins in the hands of the Lord and to say to Him humbly, “Save me, O Lord, in Your name.” Prayer is the means through which man brings God into his life and spiritual battles; therefore, spiritual struggle requires fervent prayer, tears, humility, and wrestling with God before wrestling with sin. When God accomplishes salvation, man should give glory to God and not to himself, and should not attribute victory to his own strength or piety.
Educational Lesson
Pope Shenouda teaches that dependence on the Lord does not mean laziness or abandoning spiritual struggle, but means that man cooperates with God in his struggle by asking, praying, and persevering, while depending on God’s work for salvation. Man may desire what is good but find himself unable to accomplish it, and therefore he needs the strength of Christ who strengthens him. He also explains that Christ restores to man the divine image that was corrupted by sin, and that drawing near to Him and placing one’s burdens upon Him is the way to transformation and salvation.
Practical Application
Man should go to Christ as he is, even with his sins and weaknesses, so that Christ Himself may save him from them, rather than waiting until he has overcome sin by his own strength before going to God. He should persevere in prayer and not become discouraged if the answer is delayed, but should pray a second, third, and fourth time, learning patience and persistence in asking. He can also ask for the prayers of the saints for his salvation and for the salvation of others. The conclusion is that man should remain attached to Christ, place all his worries and burdens upon Him, and ask Him for strength, repentance, love, and salvation, trusting that salvation comes from the Lord and that Christ is the Savior.
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