Jesus Christ; the Balm of Gilead (Jeremiah 8:20-22)
Jeremiah 8:20-22, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
After the harvest is reaped, it is supposed to be a time of joy, satisfaction, and rest. The work is done for the season. Yet, God’s people were not satisfied. They were not at peace. They had no joy. That’s what happens when you are away from God, reject Him and His Word, and live in sin. Financially, they had the money that they received from their crops. Money was a big deal to them because they were consumed with greed. Yet, they did not feel secure. Babylon was closing in on them and they thought they would be delivered, but deliverance did not come because they relied upon Egypt instead of the Lord for deliverance. The petty things of this world do not satisfy. It makes no difference what you own or how much money is in your bank account, it cannot give you security, joy, and peace. A close relationship with the Lord does, however. When God blesses you with the harvest of your labors, whatever they may be, don’t worship the harvest. Don’t put your security in it. Instead, with a heart of gratitude and praise, thank the Lord for His blessings and provisions. Give back to the Lord what belongs to Him in tithes and offerings toward His work. Honor the Lord with what He has blessed you and He will bless you even more. That is His promise to you and to me.
I. The Burden of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 8:20-21, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
The people had reached a point of no return. They were at such a stage of spiritual rebellion and faithlessness that they were beyond hope of ever giving up their own way and returning to God. They had absolutely no sense of shame or sadness for their sin. It was only a matter of time before God released His judgment on them. Even today, people can reach this same fatal point if they deliberately reject God’s Word and commit the kinds of detestable sins.
The false teachers deceived the people by misleading them (Jeremiah 8:8-12). How can any people claim to be wise when they follow false teachings? The truth is that such people are deceived, a fact that can only bring harm and injury to them. Jeremiah listed five deceptions that were characteristic of the false teachers of history. These same deceptions are true of the false teachers of every generation.
a. False teachers twisted the law, the Word of God (Jeremiah 8:8b-9a). They did not teach the truth of God’s Word, but rather their own ideas and beliefs. False teachers twisted the truth about God’s salvation and the need for sinful people to repent or else face His judgment. They made God’s Word mean what they wanted it to mean, distorting it to fit their own personal beliefs. God says that because of their deception, they would be judged, shamed, taken captive, and removed from the promised land (Matthew 5:19; 15:7-9; I Timothy 1:4-10; 6:3-5).
b. False teachers rejected the Word of God and followed a false wisdom (Jeremiah 8:9-10a). They consider their own opinions and thoughts to be superior to the actual teachings of God’s Word. Because they rejected God’s Word and followed their own wisdom, they would be judged (Jeremiah 8:10). They would be raided, and their wives and property given over to the army of the Babylonians (I Timothy 4:1-2; II Timothy 4:3-4).
c. False teachers were greedy for more and more gain, seeking more possessions and wealth, recognition and fame, position and power (Jeremiah 8:10b). Jeremiah says that everyone was covetous. Throughout society, from the least to the greatest, all were greedy for gain. Even the prophets and priests were deceiving the people by teaching them to be self-centered and desirous of more and more of what the world has to offer (Isaiah 56:10-12; Titus 1:10-11).
d. False teachers sought to heal the wounds of the people with a message of peace and prosperity (Jeremiah 8:11). Because God had so richly blessed them and given them so many wonderful promises, they felt they were eternally secure (Jeremiah 5:31; Matthew 7:15-20).
e. False prophets were not ashamed of their detestable behavior and false teachings (Jeremiah 8:12). They had forgotten how to blush over their sins and their twisting of God’s Word. Consequently, God would judge them. They were condemned to fall and to suffer God’s just and righteous punishment (Ezekiel 22:26; Zephaniah 3:4; II Peter 2:1-2).
Those who followed false teachers would also face God’s judgment (Jeremiah 8:13-17). And when God’s judgment fell, the people would suffer utter destruction and death. We must continually guard against false teachers, for they will lead us down the path of destruction. One thing God will not tolerate is the twisting of His Word, for His Word reflects His character. God’s character is that of love, salvation, and righteousness. God loves us, and because He loves us, He saves us. But once we are saved, God demands righteousness (Matthew 24:4; Romans 16:17-17; I Corinthians 6:9; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Ephesians 4:14; 5:3-6; II Thessalonians 2:1-4; II Timothy 3:13-14; Titus 1:10-11; I John 3:5-10; II John 7).
II. The Balm of Gilead. Jeremiah 8:22, Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
Jeremiah saw them crushed, bruised black and blue—and the sight ripped his heart. Sensing the pain of their injuries, he was engulfed with grief. His heart ached for them. He longed for a balm (a medicine) in Gilead and a physician who could heal the people (Jeremiah 8:22). When he asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” he already knew the answer. He knew that the Lord was the only physician who could heal the wounds of the people (Mark 2:17; Luke 19:10; John 3:17; 9:39; I Timothy 1:15).
Judgment was coming and it would last for seventy years. There was an answer for their need. Jeremiah asked why the people had not applied the balm or medicine. He asked if there was no physician to attend to their needs. There is only one remedy for the infection that invades mankind due to sin. We must turn to the Balm of Gilead. We must seek the attendance of the Great Physician. Jesus alone is the answer for the problems of the world. He alone can deliver a soul that is bound by sin and destined for an eternal hell. Man will never pull himself up or get out of his miserable state in himself. It will take the blood of Jesus being applied to his heart to be cleansed and made whole (Isaiah 53;4-5; Hosea 6:1; 14:4; I John 1:9).
Today, God’s cleansing and healing is a call away, if sinners would only seek the Lord. As was then, so it is today, the people, did not apply what was available. They did not take the medicine. They did not seek to be delivered by the Lord by turning from those sinful things that were destroying them. Their failure to obey God and let the Lord work in their lives led to their downfall. We live in a day where our store shelves are filled with medicines. All of these balms provide relief or healing, but they must be applied. The same holds true concerning the Balm of Gilead, the Lord Jesus Christ. You must apply your faith and trust in Him if you are to enjoy His gift of eternal life. If you do not know the Lord as your Saviour, He desires to save your soul, cleanse and forgive you of your sin, but you must make the choice to accept His gift of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. If you don’t act on what He is offering to you, then you will be lost for eternity if you die without Him. Don’t let your final cry be, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved.”
Questions to Consider:
Have you trusted Christ in salvation?
Has the Balm of Gilead brought healing to you?
How are things with you today?
Is all well within your heart?
Do we sense the urgency of our day?
Points to Ponder:
Jesus paid the price for your sins if you will only come to Him in salvation.
Maybe you are here and you have never come to the realization that you are lost and need the Lord.
The end is near and we must deal with the issues at hand.
The church must rise up and stand for the cause of Christ.
We must examine our own hearts and ensure that we are right with God.
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank you for the challenge today as my heart has been burdened by Your Word.
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com
Jeremiah 8:20-22, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
After the harvest is reaped, it is supposed to be a time of joy, satisfaction, and rest. The work is done for the season. Yet, God’s people were not satisfied. They were not at peace. They had no joy. That’s what happens when you are away from God, reject Him and His Word, and live in sin. Financially, they had the money that they received from their crops. Money was a big deal to them because they were consumed with greed. Yet, they did not feel secure. Babylon was closing in on them and they thought they would be delivered, but deliverance did not come because they relied upon Egypt instead of the Lord for deliverance. The petty things of this world do not satisfy. It makes no difference what you own or how much money is in your bank account, it cannot give you security, joy, and peace. A close relationship with the Lord does, however. When God blesses you with the harvest of your labors, whatever they may be, don’t worship the harvest. Don’t put your security in it. Instead, with a heart of gratitude and praise, thank the Lord for His blessings and provisions. Give back to the Lord what belongs to Him in tithes and offerings toward His work. Honor the Lord with what He has blessed you and He will bless you even more. That is His promise to you and to me.
I. The Burden of Jeremiah. Jeremiah 8:20-21, The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people am I hurt; I am black; astonishment hath taken hold on me.
The people had reached a point of no return. They were at such a stage of spiritual rebellion and faithlessness that they were beyond hope of ever giving up their own way and returning to God. They had absolutely no sense of shame or sadness for their sin. It was only a matter of time before God released His judgment on them. Even today, people can reach this same fatal point if they deliberately reject God’s Word and commit the kinds of detestable sins.
The false teachers deceived the people by misleading them (Jeremiah 8:8-12). How can any people claim to be wise when they follow false teachings? The truth is that such people are deceived, a fact that can only bring harm and injury to them. Jeremiah listed five deceptions that were characteristic of the false teachers of history. These same deceptions are true of the false teachers of every generation.
a. False teachers twisted the law, the Word of God (Jeremiah 8:8b-9a). They did not teach the truth of God’s Word, but rather their own ideas and beliefs. False teachers twisted the truth about God’s salvation and the need for sinful people to repent or else face His judgment. They made God’s Word mean what they wanted it to mean, distorting it to fit their own personal beliefs. God says that because of their deception, they would be judged, shamed, taken captive, and removed from the promised land (Matthew 5:19; 15:7-9; I Timothy 1:4-10; 6:3-5).
b. False teachers rejected the Word of God and followed a false wisdom (Jeremiah 8:9-10a). They consider their own opinions and thoughts to be superior to the actual teachings of God’s Word. Because they rejected God’s Word and followed their own wisdom, they would be judged (Jeremiah 8:10). They would be raided, and their wives and property given over to the army of the Babylonians (I Timothy 4:1-2; II Timothy 4:3-4).
c. False teachers were greedy for more and more gain, seeking more possessions and wealth, recognition and fame, position and power (Jeremiah 8:10b). Jeremiah says that everyone was covetous. Throughout society, from the least to the greatest, all were greedy for gain. Even the prophets and priests were deceiving the people by teaching them to be self-centered and desirous of more and more of what the world has to offer (Isaiah 56:10-12; Titus 1:10-11).
d. False teachers sought to heal the wounds of the people with a message of peace and prosperity (Jeremiah 8:11). Because God had so richly blessed them and given them so many wonderful promises, they felt they were eternally secure (Jeremiah 5:31; Matthew 7:15-20).
e. False prophets were not ashamed of their detestable behavior and false teachings (Jeremiah 8:12). They had forgotten how to blush over their sins and their twisting of God’s Word. Consequently, God would judge them. They were condemned to fall and to suffer God’s just and righteous punishment (Ezekiel 22:26; Zephaniah 3:4; II Peter 2:1-2).
Those who followed false teachers would also face God’s judgment (Jeremiah 8:13-17). And when God’s judgment fell, the people would suffer utter destruction and death. We must continually guard against false teachers, for they will lead us down the path of destruction. One thing God will not tolerate is the twisting of His Word, for His Word reflects His character. God’s character is that of love, salvation, and righteousness. God loves us, and because He loves us, He saves us. But once we are saved, God demands righteousness (Matthew 24:4; Romans 16:17-17; I Corinthians 6:9; II Corinthians 11:13-15; Ephesians 4:14; 5:3-6; II Thessalonians 2:1-4; II Timothy 3:13-14; Titus 1:10-11; I John 3:5-10; II John 7).
II. The Balm of Gilead. Jeremiah 8:22, Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? Why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?
Jeremiah saw them crushed, bruised black and blue—and the sight ripped his heart. Sensing the pain of their injuries, he was engulfed with grief. His heart ached for them. He longed for a balm (a medicine) in Gilead and a physician who could heal the people (Jeremiah 8:22). When he asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” he already knew the answer. He knew that the Lord was the only physician who could heal the wounds of the people (Mark 2:17; Luke 19:10; John 3:17; 9:39; I Timothy 1:15).
Judgment was coming and it would last for seventy years. There was an answer for their need. Jeremiah asked why the people had not applied the balm or medicine. He asked if there was no physician to attend to their needs. There is only one remedy for the infection that invades mankind due to sin. We must turn to the Balm of Gilead. We must seek the attendance of the Great Physician. Jesus alone is the answer for the problems of the world. He alone can deliver a soul that is bound by sin and destined for an eternal hell. Man will never pull himself up or get out of his miserable state in himself. It will take the blood of Jesus being applied to his heart to be cleansed and made whole (Isaiah 53;4-5; Hosea 6:1; 14:4; I John 1:9).
Today, God’s cleansing and healing is a call away, if sinners would only seek the Lord. As was then, so it is today, the people, did not apply what was available. They did not take the medicine. They did not seek to be delivered by the Lord by turning from those sinful things that were destroying them. Their failure to obey God and let the Lord work in their lives led to their downfall. We live in a day where our store shelves are filled with medicines. All of these balms provide relief or healing, but they must be applied. The same holds true concerning the Balm of Gilead, the Lord Jesus Christ. You must apply your faith and trust in Him if you are to enjoy His gift of eternal life. If you do not know the Lord as your Saviour, He desires to save your soul, cleanse and forgive you of your sin, but you must make the choice to accept His gift of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. If you don’t act on what He is offering to you, then you will be lost for eternity if you die without Him. Don’t let your final cry be, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved.”
Questions to Consider:
Have you trusted Christ in salvation?
Has the Balm of Gilead brought healing to you?
How are things with you today?
Is all well within your heart?
Do we sense the urgency of our day?
Points to Ponder:
Jesus paid the price for your sins if you will only come to Him in salvation.
Maybe you are here and you have never come to the realization that you are lost and need the Lord.
The end is near and we must deal with the issues at hand.
The church must rise up and stand for the cause of Christ.
We must examine our own hearts and ensure that we are right with God.
PRAYER: Father in Heaven, thank you for the challenge today as my heart has been burdened by Your Word.
If this post in any way, has blessed you,
please share this website and its articles with others:
www.fellowshipbaptistcarrabelle.com