24/08/2024
"Is There No Balm In Nigeria?"
Scripture: Jeremiah 8:20-22
Summary: I don’t have to remind you, that Nigeria is facing some of her most challenging days or times! Yes, this country has had some difficult times in the past, but what we are facing today is a Fulfillment Of Bible Prophecies.
Subject: “Is There No Balm In Nigeria?
Text: Jeremiah 8:20-22
Introduction Of The Text:
I don’t have to remind you, that Nigera is facing some of her most challenging days or times! Yes, this country has faced some difficult times in the past, but what we are facing today is a Fulfillment Of Bible Prophecies.
Well, let me give you some examples:
1. Gun Violence
2. Lack Of Affordable Health Care
3. Coronavirus Outbreak
4. Terrorism
5. Kidnapping
4. Racism
5. Lawlessness
Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:1-5: “But understand this,that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money,proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.”
So, what does Paul means when he said: “Having a form of godliness, but denying its power?” Well, if you meet someone who says that they believe in Jesus but live in habitual, unrepentant sin, they are denying the power of God that would enable them to say no, to that sin.
My friend, they have a form of godliness in their words, but they deny its power by their actions. That person is a false believer. Oh, yes, that person claims Christ in name only, but his or her heart is far from Him. Well, let’s examine the text and see if we can get an answer to the “lawlessness, chaos, disorder, anarchy and lack of control” that we are experiencing in Nigeria.
I. What Is Balm? (Verse-22) In Biblical times “healing balm” was used as amedicine. A “healing balm” was used to help cure many types of ailments. Therefore, it is fair to say that there wasa “healing balm” used in Bible times, as they are used today.
The Prophet Jeremiah asked God why He hadn’t supplied this precious balm to help in the healing of his people and their sinful ways. The balm comes from several herbs that are part of the mint family of plants; it is used in everything from food to alcohol and perfume to fruit drinks.
Regards to the “Balm of Gilead,” this balm is related to the cream tree and is considered a myrrh-like resin/chemical
compound found in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in ancient Palestine east of the Jordan River; it was used for medicine. This “balm” was known to be combined with other ingredients to increase its potency, such as licorice and honey for solving chest congestion to oil for bruising, swelling, or damage to the skin. Infection is what the “Balm of Gilead” is used mostly for. Some ancient historians say that Queen Sheba gave a gift of the balm to King Solomon. The "Balm of Gilead" was, therefore, a high- quality ointment with healing properties.
II. Why Is Gilead So Important To The Prophet Jeremiah? (Verse-22)
First of all, this place Gilead is recognized in the Bible for being the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah.
Gilead was the last place Jacob and Laban met. Gilead was the battlefield of Gideon and the Midianites where Gideon was named the victor. So, it makes sense that a “balm” from Gilead would be important to the Prophet Jeremiah. The first reference to the phrase: “Balm of Gilead” can be found in the book of Genesis, an account of Joseph, as the caravan, Joseph was sold to by his brothers were from Gilead, carrying items such as “balm” to Egypt. (Gen. 37:25) The “Balm of Gilead” makes another appearance in Joseph’s life in Genesis 43:11, when Israel (Jacob) tells his sons to travel back to Joseph, unrecognized by his brothers, bringing the finest in goods (one item being balm) so he would give them grain during the famine.
Combine this knowledge of healing with the history of Gilead in defeating mighty opponents (Gideon) and bringing thevbirthplace of a well-known prophet (Elijah), and one can very well see why Jeremiah thought the place of Gilead was so important. This place was occupied by well-known leaders.
III. Why Does Jeremiah Ask: “Is There No Balm In Gilead?”(Verse-22)
You see, the Prophet Jeremiah was chosen by God to warn the people of Judah that the city of Jerusalem would be taken over if they didn’t repent of their sins and return to God. Jeremiah preached for many years trying to convince and to persuade the people to repent. Someone even gave him the name/title: “The Weeping Prophet.” So, they called him “The Weeping Prophet” because his heart was so tender, gentle, caring, and loving for the people to whom he ministered.
