Today’s readings: Jeremiah 7-9, Psalm 59.
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, 24 but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the Lord.”
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Jeremiah is called the Weeping Prophet because his ministry was marked by sorrow. For thirty-five chapters he faithfully proclaimed God’s warnings, judgments, and calls to repentance as Babylon stood ready to conquer Jerusalem. Though he himself endured rejection, imprisonment, and loneliness, his tears reflected both his love for God’s people and God’s own desire that they turn from their sin and live.
At the end of chapter 8, the LORD asks,
“Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored?” (Jeremiah 8:22)
Gilead was famous for its healing balm and skilled physicians. The question is rhetorical. The problem was not that there was no remedy, but that the people refused the healing God offered.
Over the years, Judah had so absorbed the thinking of the surrounding pagan religions that they no longer related to the LORD as the gracious God of the covenant. Instead, they treated him as though he were another pagan deity whose favor could be earned, manipulated, or appeased through religious performance. They still came to the Temple. They still offered sacrifices. But their worship had become largely external, as though God could be satisfied with rituals while their hearts remained far from him. They had forgotten that God’s favor is never purchased; it is received by faith from the God who delights to show mercy.
That is why Jeremiah immediately redirects their attention:
“Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me…” (Jeremiah 9:23–24)
The LORD delights in showing steadfast love, justice, and righteousness. Healing is found not in our achievements, our resources, or even our religious activity, but in knowing the God whose mercy is greater than our sin.
The old spiritual proclaims,
“There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole.”
Many years ago, Pastor David Schultz shared a picture I’ve never forgotten: “When Jesus walked the dusty roads of Galilee, he met people where they were. Then he would feel around the edges of their hearts until he found the cracks—and there he would rub in the balm of Gilead.”
What a beautiful image. Jesus himself is the Balm of Gilead. He heals our sin-sick souls, not because we have earned his favor or performed the right rituals, but because in his steadfast love he has borne our sin and opened the way to forgiveness, healing, and life.
Follow the Word is a daily Bible reading and devotional ministry of St. John Lutheran Church, Cypress, Texas.
Click here or on the graphic below to watch the Bible Project video overview of the book of Jeremiah.
David Bahn - Reflections 
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