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-Small Groups -  Click here for information or to sign up for a Small Group

-The Music Man will be presented as our fall theatrical event...click here (www.ChristMemorialProductions.org) for full details and audition information. 

      Performances: November 13, 14,15 at 7:30 pm and November 16 at 2:00.

      Auditions: August 16 and 17 from 1- 5 PM..

Devotions

Balm of Gilead

Divine Cure

Readings: Jeremiah 8:22 and Mark 2:1-12

Most of us know what it is like to be sick. The last time I had the flu I had a pounding headache, fever, and I was sick to my stomach. As uncomfortable as I was, that was nothing compared to others who suffer from much more serious ailments, such as cancer or heart disease. God, in His mercy, has greatly blessed us with modern medicine, advanced technology, and many dedicated health care professionals. Through their work and the cures they distribute, He often touches us with His healing hands.

During the days of ancient Israel, God also used medicine to heal His people. One medicine that was especially popular was balm from Gilead. It must have had strong curative properties. It was not only used throughout Israel, but it was also shipped to places as far away as Egypt (Gen. 37:25) and Phoenicia (Ezek. 27:17).

No one knows exactly what this balm was. It must have been a salve or ointment made from the sap of a tree commonly found in Gilead. But whatever it was, it was a beneficial medicine that God used to heal many people. But where can we go to find healing for our souls? We can search the world over but there is no earthly cure for spiritual ills (Lam. 2:13). So Jeremiah could write, “Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?” (Jer. 8:22). There was no healing for their spiritual afflictions because they were looking in the wrong place. They trusted in themselves—in their own accomplishments—their own alliances—their own strength. They were using the wrong medicine. They needed the healing that only God could give.

Beginning with a tone of sarcasm, Jeremiah told the Egyptians the same thing, “Go up to Gilead and get balm, O Virgin Daughter of Egypt. But you multiply your remedies in vain; there is no healing for you” (Jer. 46:11). In other words, go ahead and look as far as Gilead—search the world over if you like. But it will do you no good. There is no healing for a sin-sick soul apart from God. The Lord makes it clear that He Himself will be our physician. “I will restore you to health and heal your wounds” (Jer. 30:17). He does that only through Jesus. Only Jesus can heal a conscience wounded by guilt. Only Jesus can cure a soul that is bruised and bloodied by the self-inflicted wounds of pride and arrogance. Only Jesus can restore your spiritual health, as well as your physical health (Mark 2:1-12).

This spiritual healing he has for you is not from the sap of the trees in Gilead, but from the blood of the cross on Calvary. “By His wounds you have been healed” (1 Pet. 2:24). All who know Christ can confess with Jeremiah, “Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise” (Jer. 17:14).

Prayer: Dear Jesus, You are the cure and You are the physician. I look to You to heal my body and my soul. Please sooth my guilty conscience with the balm of your forgiveness. Amen.