Most of us have experienced some sort of skin irritation, whether it is bug bites, poison ivy, or maybe a more serious skin disease. Applying a balm or an ointment usually brings a welcome relief. It soothes the inflamed tissue, and calms the inflammatory reactions that we are having. The word balm comes from the word balsamic; which we recognize as coming from “balsam” a small tropical evergreen tree.
The balm was obtained from the resin in the bark of the tree. Gilead was known for this precious healing balm. They created this balm from the resin in the trees that were native to their region, east of the Jordan River. It was considered a myrrh-like compound with well known healing properties….but it holds a far deeper symbolic purpose for us. Yes, they did use natural balms to heal their wounds, but God used this natural healing to expose and bring about judgement on Egypt, and the worldly ways.
Pharaoh and his Egyptian army had continued to attack the king of Judah, and the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the destruction that was coming to them. Yes, he was mighty and powerful, his horses and armies were swift; but no match for the Lord God of hosts! The day of vengeance was coming; there would be no escape. There is only one way of escape from the “pharaoh” of this world….and it is through the One who applies the “balm of healing” to our souls.
He was reminding them, “Go, up to Gilead and take balm, O virgin daughter of Egypt; In vain you will use many medicines; you shall not be cured.” When we go through the motions and doing things in vain, healing will elude us. The balm without the healer leaves us sick. In vain means- worthless, vanity, lies, and falsities. What was once a valuable balm, was now worthless because they were living worthless and vain lives.
Not only would the balm no longer be effective; but their “many medicines” would bring no cure. Many here means that they were multiplying, and abundantly using numerous medicines; yet none of them would bring a cure! The word cured here is interesting. It not only means healing, it also means aqueduct, channel, and conduit. How interesting that the One who created our healing balm, also created the channel and the conduit in our lives that allows the healing to flow into the channels of other peoples lives. We are to never be an island unto ourselves.
Jesus is our Great Physician; and many people on this earth are gifted with wisdom and knowledge in various healing modalities. When used ethically and compassionately, people are healed and restored to live out their God given purpose. When used in “the Egypt system” of worthlessness, vanity and lies; true healing is rare.
We are triune beings; we are spirit, and soul, and we live in our physical bodies. A complete healing in someone’s life encompasses all three aspects of who we are. When we find a wise, compassionate, and gifted physician we are most grateful. However we cannot neglect the mind nor the spirit. Renew your mind daily in the word of God. This will bring the life giving transformation to your spiritual man. It is applying the balm of Gilead to your inner being….and this allows you to become an aromatic ointment to those around you.
“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your souls prospers.” 3 John 1:2