Jeremiah recants the story of Israel’s ridiculous ways how “they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:24). Going backward and not forward is such a troubling phrase. There is no option to stand still for we are always moving, we have to make a choice to move forward (or backward), our actions reveal our hearts even as did our ancient ancestors.
Jeremiah asks, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (8:22) (referring to the infamous medicinal spices in the region), “is there no healing for the wound of my people?” This brings back fond memories of the song, “There Is a Balm in Gilead.” As a young follower of Christ, I looked forward to the Easter service when the song would ring out the truth that Christ is the real balm of Gilead. The verse of the song I remember well, “There is balm in Gilead, To make the wounded whole; There is balm in Gilead, To cure a sin-sick soul.” In our uber-modern culture, choirs are all but gone and hymns have faded, but my heart was touched by the tenor solo (that I could never sing) as Earl Lebeau sang those words. God please keep saving my sin-sick soul!
“‘The days are coming’, declares the Lord, ‘when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh…even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart'” (9:25,26). It’s always been a matter of heart. We’ve been given symbols and rituals to remind us of God’s great love, but it comes back to a heart condition. Lord fill my heart with the wonder of your amazing grace!
Jeremiah recants the story of Israel’s ridiculous ways how “they did not listen or pay attention; instead, they followed the stubborn inclinations of their evil hearts. They went backward and not forward” (Jeremiah 7:24). Going backward and not forward is such a troubling phrase. There is no option to stand still for we are always moving, we have to make a choice to move forward (or backward), our actions reveal our hearts even as did our ancient ancestors.
Jeremiah asks, “Is there no balm in Gilead?” (8:22) (referring to the infamous medicinal spices in the region), “is there no healing for the wound of my people?” This brings back fond memories of the song, “There Is a Balm in Gilead.” As a young follower of Christ, I looked forward to the Easter service when the song would ring out the truth that Christ is the real balm of Gilead. The verse of the song I remember well, “There is balm in Gilead, To make the wounded whole; There is balm in Gilead, To cure a sin-sick soul.” In our uber-modern culture, choirs are all but gone and hymns have faded, but my heart was touched by the tenor solo (that I could never sing) as Earl Lebeau sang those words. God please keep saving my sin-sick soul!
“‘The days are coming’, declares the Lord, ‘when I will punish all who are circumcised only in the flesh…even the whole house of Israel is uncircumcised in heart'” (9:25,26). It’s always been a matter of heart. We’ve been given symbols and rituals to remind us of God’s great love, but it comes back to a heart condition. Lord fill my heart with the wonder of your amazing grace!