July 6, 2010 The Father's Soothing Balm

July 6, 2010
Jeremiah 8 – 10

Jer 8:21-22 Since my people are crushed, I am crushed;
I mourn, and horror grips me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead?Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?

HAVE YOU experienced grief when someone you loved was broken by illness, temptation or addiction? Their life made you very, very sad. Your heart ached for them. You despaired of their condition, longing for a cure, and none came.

Such was the heart of Jeremiah as he laments (cries out in grief) the hardships the people of Jerusalem are experiencing and will experience for many years. The balm of Gilead was a healing salve made from certain trees in an area known as Gilead. It was a precious commodity to trade to foreign nations. The balm eased the physical discomfort of many.

But there is no balm in Gilead or in any place to ease the pain of Jerusalem. Their disease has been to shut their hearts to their LORD. Their addiction has been to sexual perversion and false gods. Their temptation was to seek the false salve of wealth and power.

Jeremiah cries out for his people. He shows God’s heart. God did not want to punish his people. He made them to be his for a life of health. Instead they chose a life of sickness. And now they receive the Father’s justice.

Their balm would come one day when they would trust God again, and he brought them back home to Jerusalem. That balm came for you to in the blood of Jesus Christ.

Yes, there is a balm to soothe all illness, temptation and addiction. Trust the Father for the balm of the Son.