Scripture
Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?
~Jeremiah 8:22, NIV
Quote
The Great Physician makes house calls.
~B. K. Hendricks
The balm [salve] of Gilead was made from the buds of the Balsam Poplar tree that grew in the region of Gilead. The oil made from the buds is a natural antibiotic and anti inflammatory. Helpful for muscle soreness, headaches, arthritis, carpal tunnel, psoriasis eczema, bruising, swelling, wound care and much more. Judah had a deep wound but it was spiritual in nature. They were living in obstinate rebellion against God. Jeremiah understands the serious nature of the nations wound; he knows it is deep and will result in their destruction. He cries out in lament, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no doctor there? Why is there no healing for my people?”
Sin is destructive, devastating and distressing. You and I should feel a similar distress over the wounds of our own beloved country. We are in a war, not one with guns and bullets, not yet anyway. We are in a cultural war and we are fighting for the soul of America. We are opposed by the forces of evil and unfortunately, they have infiltrated our camp. These forces have come against authority [constitution], against the family, the word of God and the real church. I am of the firm conviction that no mere human can fix America. I like Trump because he is not a politician and I pray for him every day but Trump can’t fix America. We need a house call from the GREAT PHYSICIAN. We need Jesus pure and simple.
When Jesus came in the incarnation: He was, among other things, a GREAT PHYSICIAN or healer. He gave sight to the blind; He enabled the lame to leap and the deaf to hear. He even cured lepers. There was no disease that did not bow to His infinite power. When He returns, all our enemies will kneel before HIM. So the good news is: JESUS IS THE BALM OF GILEAD, the healer of the nations. When He gets here: He will bring healing and wholeness. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
I have to begin with a PRAISE. I don’t have a rain gage but judging by the water in our wheel barrow, we got 4-5 inches. We had water standing in our garden. For the first time since early May, we have mud. It came too late for our corn but who cares, I’m just glad it rained. It saved our squash and okra. I had been watering the tomatoes. Hey, it was raining last night when I started the blog. Let it rain!
Only a preacher would understand: Sometimes you feel good about a message and sometimes you don’t but your feeling have nothing to do with the effectiveness of the message. I struggled both times I got in the pulpit yesterday, and got more compliments that I normally get and I appreciate all three. Mandy complimented me last night and that is high praise. I don’t know if it was the content or the length of the sermon that impressed her.
Continue to pray for…………….. Lilly G. and Tracey B.