Is there no Balm in Gilead?
Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? (Jer. 8:22 KJV)
Gilead was a city in ancient Israel that was known for its balm, an aromatic resin tree extract that had healing and soothing properties. This balm is equivalent to modern day medications, which have the power to produce a cure. The question “is there no balm in Gilead?” meant the people had the healing balm but were still sick.
God’s question to them does not imply they did not have the balm of Gilead or physicians there. They had the balm. They had the physicians.However, they were not cured. The issue then was not the availability of the remedy but their utilization of what was available to them. The LORD was their God, but they were oppressed as though God was not with them. Something was wrong with their relationship with God. Rather than seeking the LORD, they were seeking idols to help them.
This principle is actively at work in the world and the church today. Christ’s blood has been shed, and forgiveness is now available, but many have heard the Gospel and do not believe and will sadly bear their sins in hell if they die without receiving Christ’s forgiveness. Similarly, the power of God is now available in the believer, but many might still be suffering from things they have the power to overcome.There is a balm in Gilead. There is a Physician there. We should come to Him with open hearts, taking away all the obstacles from His path.
MEDITATE
What are some of the reasons why the Gileadites had the balm but were not cured? What are some of the reasons why the believer is full of the Spirit, joy, and peace but many might be struggling with fear, anxieties, and depression?
APPLY THE WORD
As a believer, you have to learn to make the Word of God work for you. It takes surrender. It takes revelation. It takes faith….Don’t suffer from a condition whereas the cure is inside of you.
PRAY
Ask the LORD to help you learn to receive and enjoy all the things that Christ paid for you.
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