"Is There No Balm In America?"

Subject: “Is There No Balm In America?

Text: Jeremiah 8:20-22

Introduction Of The Text:

I don’t have to remind you, that America 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 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. 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,

reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather

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 America.

I. What Is Balm? (Verse-22)

In Biblical times “healing balm” was used as a

medicine. A “healing balm” was used to help cure many

types of ailments. Therefore, it is fair to say that there was

a “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 the

birthplace 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. He may not have liked

some of the things that God did to the people, yet he was