Message from Scripture: 5/21/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from Jer. 8:22; “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?”

The territory of Gilead was an important source of spices and medicinal herbs; it became known as a place for healing, for having one’s physical health restored. To ask if there is no balm in Gilead, or a physician there to apply it, is, a rhetorical device. How could there be illness when healing was available, unless the people refused to use these resources? Jeremiah would later say, “For thus says the LORD, ‘Your wound is incurable and your injury is serious…Why do you cry out over your injury? Your pain is incurable. Because your iniquity is great and your sins are numerous, I have done these things to you’” (Jer. 30:12, 15).

Sometimes the wounds and illnesses we have spiritually can run very deep; is there no cure, is there no help available to heal us of the effects of sin? Of course God can; the question is whether we allow Him His part in our lives. No matter how far we may stray, the Lord is ready to forgive, if we will just return to Him. What a beautiful picture Jesus gives in the parable of the prodigal son, who, in the worst possible condition, left to return to his father, who was watching and waiting for his return. The father said of his repentant son, “He was lost and has been found” (Luke 15:24).

In Rev. 3:20, Jesus said, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Where there is sin, there can be found God’s grace. With repentance, forgiveness. With surrender, renewal. Praise God for the depth of His love and mercy for us. Give thanks to Christ for being our great physician. Have a great day knowing mercy is ours in Christ. God bless.


Robert