Inadequate treatment

They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, "Peace, peace!" when there is no peace. – Jeremiah 6:14

A sprained ankle, so common during summer activities, can cause lingering problems if not properly treated. Minor sprains respond well to RICE: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. But people who ignore a serious sprain and keep going in spite of the pain run the risk of a greater injury.

A podiatric surgeon says we often get used to sprains and put up with them, but "even minor sprains should be rehabilitated so they don’t happen again." And, of course, a major injury always requires proper treatment.

When Jeremiah spoke the Lord’s message against the corrupt spiritual leaders of Judah, he said: "They have also healed the hurt of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace!’ when there is no peace" (Jeremiah 6:14). He repeated the accusation of inadequate treatment for serious physical injury in 8:11, then asked, "Is there no balm in Gilead, is there no physician there . . . for the health of the daughter of my people?" (v. 22).

Jeremiah’s searching question inspired an old spiritual that proclaims the message of hope and forgiveness we still need today: "There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole; there is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul."

That balm is the healing power of Jesus for our deep wound of sin. Have you applied His balm? – David McCasland
But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.
There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole;
There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul. – Trad.


READ: Jeremiah 6:10-19


The Great Physician always has the right remedy.

The Bible in one year:


• Job 1-2
• Acts 7:22-43

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