Marriner’s Moment: Restoration: Balm in Gilead – Part 2

By Pastor Melvin O. Marriner
Grove Church

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) ~ NCV

The Balm in Gilead is not a tangible ointment (although I discovered a website that claims to sell it) that can be bought at a pharmacy or borrowed from a friend. And, while it’s priceless, it is free. Jesus Christ is the true balm in Gilead. He is the balm that heals our deepest wounds and restores our soul. Jesus died for ordinary people like you and me. He is the “balm in Gilead” for people who need restoration all across the world.

From time to time, we all become discouraged and, yes, we suffer. The Bible tells us that “… In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV), but when we are down, we must not stay there. It’s okay to grieve and be disappointed or discouraged, but at some point, we have to get back up, get back in, and try again.
Pastor Joseph Charles Philpot (1802-1869) preached a sermon on Jeremiah 18:22 and said, “God’s grace is always greater than our sin. There is more in the balm to heal than there is in guilt to wound; for there is more in grace to save than there is in sin to destroy.”

If we know Jesus, we know that we are going to heaven because His grace is far greater than our mistakes, brokenness or shortcomings. His blood is the balm that heals and when we fall (and we will), He lifts us up and restores our soul.

© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner,
October 2016

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