Balm in Gilead

Gilead is a region of Palestine known for its balm.

Is there no balm in Gilead?
Is there no physician there?
Why then is there no healing
for the wound of my people?

         Jeremiah 8:22


A balm is a healing, restorative ointment.

There is actually a plant named Balm of Gilead.
It has aromatic leaves; it soothes, relieves and heals.

*****

"Balm of Gilead" is a well-known Black-American spiritual. A version of this song has been found in an 1854 hymnal...  The melodies and rhythm sound of Africa.The words tell of hope mingled with despair....

There is a Balm in Gilead

Refrain:

There is a balm in Gilead

To make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead

To heal the sin sick soul.

Sometimes I feel discouraged,

And think my work's in vain,

But then the Holy Spirit

Revives my soul again.

Refrain

If you can't preach like Peter,

If you can't pray like Paul,

Just tell the love of Jesus,

And say he died for all.

Refrain

The spiritual is a reminder of a God who is bigger than any of our problems; it is a reminder of a love so great that Someone died for each of us that we might live eternally.


Although Balm of Gilead is a reference from the Old Testament, the lyrics refer to the New Testament and salvation through Jesus Christ. It is interpreted as a spiritual medicine that is able to heal Israel--and sinners like you and me today.

*******

Holy Week is the last week of Lent and the week before Easter.
It includes Palm Sunday, Maundy (holy) Thursday, and Good Friday.
Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his apostles.

It is Holy Week.

Balm and Gilead are not common words.

Holy is.

But, do you know what holy means?

 It means set apart for the service of God,

     or, spiritually pure.

It is Holy Week.

Think about what holy means.

Think about what Jesus, God's son, did for you and me.

He died for all.

 If you have time,
go to utube
and bring up
Balm of Gilead
and listen..






Next week's blog:
The Story Behind the Story
(finally)