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Jeremiah 8:21-22

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?

This day is the last day of the year, the last day of a decade, the last day of a century, and the last day of a millennium. If there ever was a day to evaluate one's life, this is that day. I can think of no better place to take evaluation than in church. We are a hospital for sinners -- a place of refuge for the hurting. All of us have done things this past year that we regret. We have sinned against our God and others. Sin has a way of wounding the soul and marring the countenance. We must get rid of it. We must find healing. How?

The children of Israel found themselves in a case of "perpetual backsliding" (v.5). They promised God they would be better, but failed. They found healing on occasion, but it was only a "slight" healing, not complete (v.11). This led the prophet of Israel to cry, "I am hurt; I am black, astonishment hath taken hold of me." Why was the prophet astonished?

Israel had a balm and a physician, but refused to receive them.

Is there no balm in Gilead?

We need someone to apply the balm and is not our Great Physician worthy? We need someone who has "been touched with the feeling of our infirmities," whose tender touch can apply the balm to our sin-sick souls. Jesus is that Great Physician, the friend of sinners. He is ready to take the person who confesses his sin and bring healing.

Why then is there no healing?

1. We don't like to be dependent . . . self-righteousness tells us to heal ourselves. So, we turn over new leaves, we make new promises, we say it will never happen again, or we justify what we did. Healing will never come. We must turn to Christ.
2. We don't believe the Physician is who He says He is . . . we don't trust He is in business of loving sinners. We believe He is in the business of loving good people. As a result, we don't call to the Physician or take His balm because we doubt Him.
3. We don't yet see our need . . . we don't see ourselves in need of a balm or a physician. Just wait. The day will come. A new year will dawn. You will find yourself like Paul saying, "O wretched man that I am." Then, look to Christ.

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Questions? Comments?
kerusso@enid.com


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