Is There No Balm?
Jeremiah 8:19-22
Jeremiah began his
ministry in the 13th year of Josiah, about 60 years after Isaiah's death.
Zephaniah, Habakkuk, and Daniel were contemporaries of his ministry. Jeremiah's
vision includes: the Babylonian captivity; the return after 70 years; the
world-wide dispersion; the final regathering; the kingdom-age; the Day of
Judgment on the Gentile powers, and the Remnant. He is known as the weeping
prophet. Here, we find Jeremiah preaching in the gate of the Temple.
- This is
chapter of Hopelessness and Despair:
a. Death
rather than life: verse 3
b. Deceit
rather than truth: verse 5
c. Wickedness
rather than repentance: verse 6
- This chapter
shows the sinfulness of Israel (mankind):
- The dullness
of man’s spiritual perception: verse 7-9
- The deceit of
spiritual leadership: verse 10-11
- The
depravity of the conscience: verse 12
- This chapter
shows the high cost of sin:
- It costs you
your family: verse 10
- It costs you
your finances: verse 13
- It costs you
your tranquility: verse 15-17
- This chapter
contains a desperate cry:
- From the
people: verse19 the people ask; “Where is God?”
- From the
prophet: verse 22 the man of God asks; “Is there no balm?”
Hallelujah, I can answer those questions:
He is here, right now, tonight!
Yes, there is a balm in Gilead.
Yes, there is a physician there!
His name is Jesus. With Him you will find mercy,
grace, power, blessing, and glory.
Mat 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that
labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you"
