Judah’s sin had left them wounded and broken. The prophets and priests had only superficially healed the people. The Lord said, “For they have healed the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jer. 8:11). Jeremiah lamented, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved” (Jer. 8:20). The wounds of Judah’s sin were exposed and far from healing.
Jeremiah asked the people, “Is there no balm in Gilead; is there no physician there? why then is not the health of the daughter of my people recovered?” Gilead was the land just east of the Jordan River, only about 60-70 miles away from Judah. Gilead’s name meant “hill of witness” for it was a mountainous and rocky terrain. It was also known for its various resins found in its local balsam trees. These resins were used for fragrances and balms for healing wounds. Yes, there was a balm for Judah’s physical wounds available just a short distance away in Gilead. Likewise, there was a balm within reach for Judah’s sin – repentance and God’s mercy. That’s all they would need to heal the wounds of their sin.
Beloved, there is a balm for our sin. There is a healing treatment for our open wounds, and it is found in a tree located on Mount Calvary. The sacrifice at Calvary was a sweet fragrance in the nostrils of God (Eph. 5:2).
There at Calvary’s tree, healing is found in the precious blood of Jesus. Healing is just within your reach. Restoration is just a few steps away. Reconciliation is within your grasp. Just believe in Jesus and repent of your sins. Be buried with Christ in baptism, and receive His empowering Spirit, to be made whole.