LENT MEDITATION: JESUS, THE HEALING BALM

BY REV GOH YONG KUANG

In Jeremiah 8:22, the prophet asked the people of Israel…

“Is there no balm in Gilead?”

Gilead was a place in Israel well known for its healing balm (a medicinal ointment).  The healing balm of Gilead is like the ancient equivalent of Tiger Balm or “hong-yu” that our parents and those of their generation grew up using. 

When the question was asked, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” – the prophet was referring to the spiritual condition of Israel.  

Just as there were plenty of balm and physicians in Gilead, God has given Israel everything that was needed for their spiritual healing. He had given them the balm of His Word – “He sent out his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.” (Psalm 107:20, NIV) Yet, Israel had failed to apply what God has provided.

Jesus, God’s living Word, is to us the “balm of Gilead” as God was to ancient Israel.  His grace is sufficient to cover our sin. His blood is the balm that heals the deepest wounds of sin.

During this Lent season, let us take time to draw near to Jesus, the great physician – who can heal our spiritual condition, mend our brokenness and make us whole!

O my God, my Rock and Tower,

Grant that in Thy death I trust,

Knowing death has lost its power

Since Thou trodd’st him in the dust.

Savior, let Thine agony

Ever help and comfort me;

When I die, be my Protection,

Light and Life and Resurrection.

Jesus, grant that balm and healing

In Thy holy wounds I find.

Ev’ry hour that I am feeling

Pains of body and of mind.

And when I this world must leave,

Grant that, Lord, to Thee I cleave,

In Thy wounds find consolation,

And obtain my soul’s salvation.

Johann Heermann (1585-1647)