Jeremiah 8:22 Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? I. TO DESCRIBE YOUR SPIRITUAL DISEASE. Sin itself, and all its pernicious consequences, comprehends the whole disease of human nature. 1. This disease has infected the whole race of mankind. 2. This disease has infected the whole person of every individual. The members of the body are likewise infected with the disease of sin. 3. What especially renders this disease an object of apprehension and sorrow is, that it is mortal. It has not only entirely deprived mankind of strength but has involved them in death itself. II. TO EXPLAIN AND ILLUSTRATE THE NATURE OF THE REMEDY. 1. Though this Physician healed the most inveterate diseases of the body with a word, He could cure the distempers of the soul with no other medicine but the balm of His own blood. 2. With this precious balm our Physician heals all manner of diseases. 3. The cures which the Physician performs by the balm of His blood are all forever perfect. 4. This wonderful Physician heals His patients without money and without price. When Zeuxis the Grecian painter presented his incomparable paintings for nothing, his vanity prompted him to give this reason for his own conduct, that they were above all price. So Jesus, our Almighty Physician, who can never be suspected of having indulged a vain-glorious pride, performed His mighty work of healing freely, and without reward, because it was impossible to propose to Him any remuneration that would either merit His favour, or claim His acceptance. The case is precisely the same to this very day. III. WHY, THEN, ARE THERE SO MANY DISEASED SOULS AMONG US? 1. Because multitudes are ignorant and insensible of their real condition. The patient who labours under the violence of a fever may, in a fit of delirium, affirm that he is completely recovered from his indisposition; but this very circumstance is one of the most unpromising symptoms of his disease. 2. Others refuse the Physician's grace, and reject His kind offers of assistance, from an opinion that it is so near and easy to be obtained, that they may have it at whatever time they choose to ask it. What greater dishonour can you offer to the Physician? What greater abuse can you make of this precious remedy? 3. A third class continue under the power of their spiritual disease on account of their contempt for the person of the Physician, and their obstinate prejudices against His prescriptions. 4. Another reason why so many remain under the power of their spiritual distemper is, that they spend their all upon other physicians.Application — 1. Are you among the "whole who need not the Physician"? Awfully dangerous condition! Death approaches, and ye perceive it not! Beseech the Physician Himself to quicken you, and make you thoroughly sensible of your real condition by nature, that finding yourselves guilty, polluted, and condemned sinners, and feeling the plagues of your own deceitful and wicked hearts, you may humbly sue for mercy, and without delay repair to that all-sufficient Physician, whose blood is a balm for every wound of the sin-sick soul, who "of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption." 2. Are ye among "the sick who need the Physician"? Be not discouraged. Of such sickness it may be truly said, that it is not unto death, but for the glory of God. The more heinous your guilt, the more imminent your danger, so much more reason have you to apply for relief. Oh, then, speedily have recourse to this Physician! Thankfully accept of His remedy, and you shall find to your present comfort and everlasting joy that "He is both able and willing to save to the very uttermost all who come unto God through Him." 3. Are ye now made whole? "Go, and sin no more." Rejoice in the Physician and in His salutary aid. (T. Thomson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered? |
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