“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 8:22)
Jeremiah asks a searching question concerning the condition of God’s people. What is the reason for their languishing condition? Why do they lie in such need and despair? Why is there seemingly no help or hope? Are the heavens made of brass so that their cries do not penetrate it? Is God deaf, or worse, has He no compassion?
In all of these, the answer is found at the source of the question. It implies that there is a balm, and a willing physician, but they refuse to receive what is offered because of their sinful pride and stiff neck. “Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” (Matthew 15:6). Thus, rebellious men make the remedy “of none effect” by choosing to ignore His gracious offer. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16). Is God’s love for the world insincere or temporary? It cannot be said to be so. But sinful men, by rejecting His loving offer of salvation, limit the effectiveness of His love in regards to their condition. “Behold, the LORD’S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.” (Isaiah 59:1-2)
And so, God’s people stand with self-inflicted wounds because of rebellion, and refuse the only remedy that will heal. Jesus calls “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). The lost refuse salvation; the wounded reject healing; the backslider mocks forgiveness; and the lukewarm eschew revival. “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34). Do not make God’s mercy and grace “of none effect.”
(By Pastor Wagenschutz)
