There it is.
On the Calendar. THAT day. You know the one.
It’s a date you dread every year. No need to make a reminder, circle on your calendar or set an alarm – the date is permanently seared in your memory.
A date when someone died. When the love of your life was ripped from this world way too early, leaving your heart shredded and incomplete. A child never laughed or ran or played in the rain except in your imagination. The foundation of your world was just – gone.
A date when the unthinkable became reality. A medical diagnosis stopped all your dreams. A spouse walked out of a marriage. Parents who were all too human and subject to human weaknesses. The stuff of horror movies became – real.
The date on the calendar that marks your greatest failure. YOU failed. Your sin exposed. A double-twisted life revealed. The things you thought you could handle, hide – exposed.
And every year, that date rolls around and it brings a fresh flood of emotions, like a wound torn open. The fear, the memories, the shame, the hurt – they all come back with one glance at the calendar.
We relive the regret and remorse and the pain and wonder why God allows this pain to continue. MIGHT we ever move past the hurt?
Jeremiah
As long as there has been sin, there has been the question from sinners: God, why do you allow this pain to happen? To continue? The prophet Jeremiah cried:
“Is there no Balm of Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then is there no healing for the wound of my people?”
Jeremiah 8:22
Jeremiah was mourning of the people of Israel who had no spiritual leadership and had turned away from God. They were sinning and living miserable lives; hurting and the leaders were not taking care of them.
Elliott’s Commentary for English Readers explains and paraphrases Jeremiah 8:22 by saying, “the question of the prophet is therefore a parable. “Are there no means of healing, no healer to apply them, for the spiritual wounds of Israel? The prophets were her physicians, repentance and righteousness were her balm of Gilead. Why has no balsam-plaister been laid on the daughter of my people? Why so little result from the means which Jehovah has provided?”
BALM OF GILEAD
The region of Gilead was known for its use of a particular Balsam plant in making a balm, or ointment, with claims to heal numerous wounds. As with many Old Testament references, the Balm of Gilead also foreshadows Jesus Christ. The plant itself, is a trifoliate leaf – a 3-point leaf that reminds us of the Trinity.
The Balm of Gilead was expensive, with some scholars calling it the most expensive product in all of Palestine. Tree resin was collected from cut or bruised trees and painstakingly made into a incense, a topical balm or an oil for internal consumption. With a sweet scent similar to myrrh, it had a very bitter taste.
GOOD NEWS
The answer to the prophet’s question was, “No. There was no Balm in Gilead.” No salve that could cure men’s sin, no covering for their shame. There was no Messiah. There would be approximately 470 years from Jeremiah’s cry until a balm was found for Israel.
Then came Jesus. One tiny baby. One rambunctious boy. One studious scholar. One faithful friend. One diligent teacher. One crucified Savior. One risen Lord.
Like the Balsam tree, Jesus was pierced. It was blood, not tree resin, that poured out for our healing. It was the lashings of his back that bought our healing. His resurrection that brought us life.
And He wants to KNOW you – not as the failure you think you are, but as the Child he made you to be – HIS child!
LOOK AGAIN
At the Calendar.
Circle the date.
Highlight it in yellow!
Remember the emotion, the pain, the
embarrassment.
Now see Grace!
GRACE wins every time!
That one date that the enemy thought would destroy you, God has used to refine you!
Why?
That You Might Know His Grace
Truth that is fought for is sweeter.
Lessons that we work through are remembered.
Grace that we experience is richer.
Do you have a date you dread?
Share your story…tell me how Grace Wins on your special date!
Complicated Hope 
Leave a comment