There is a Balm in Gilead - Jeremiah 8:19-22

Outline

A. Jeremiah

Weeping prophet sent to the people of Judah

Prophesied for them to come out of their apostasy but they refused

Told them the city would be taken over if they did not repent

He cried because they wouldn’t listen

imagine the preacher preaching the word of God but nobody is listening

B. Balm (Jeremiah’s reference)

a. was used in ancient times to heal several illnesses and cure diseases

b. made with herbs and was from Gilead

C. Gilead

a. Joseph was sold by his brothers to people from Gilead who were carrying balm (Genesis 37:25)

b. Joseph told his brothers later in Genesis 43:11 to bring back some goods to include balm

c. Gilead was known for its balm

d. I believe to some degree that this balm from Gilead is the church of today. People are dying, people are helpless and hopeless.

e. the church is hopeful, joyful, saved, healed, delivered, set free, blessed and highly favored but stuck

f. The church must be like Jeremiah and weep over what we see but over weeping come out of hiding, come out of tradition, come out of normality and declare what thus saith the Lord

D. Current events

a. shooting at a Buffalo grocery store

b. shooting at a church in Laguna Woods, CA

c. shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX

d. shootings almost everyday in Mobile AL

E. And here we are having church outside

a. this is not something to do it is strategic

b. us being here today says that the church can mobilize itself

not tied to a building

we’re not so busy worrying about titles, positions. in-fighting, who doesn’t like who, what so and so is doing or not doing

Our community needs to know that the word of God is living

in the church and outside of the church. and don’t you get it confused we appreciate the building God has given us - but I am the church and Jesus is alive in me

Our community needs to know that there is a balm in gilead

We’re not worried about fancy suits, hats, ties, dresses.

We’re not worried about who has on pants or a skirt

We’re all about exalting God, equipping the saints, and evangelizing the lost

We’ll let bygones be bygones

We’re not looking to compete, be like anybody else but were on a mission that is God’s

and like Paul we will become all things to all men that we might by any means save some (1 cor 9:22)

This community needs to know there is a place I can go every week to have an encounter with God

And that place is not a building

David called Him the rock that’s higher than I

Ezekiel called Him a wheel in the middle of a wheel

Jeremiah called him a battle axe

Abraham called Him Jehovah Jireh

Moses called Him Jehovah Nissi - my banner

Daniel called him the ancient of days

Isaiah called him wonderful, counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting father, and the prince of peace

The psalmists called him the stone that the builders rejected

Paul called Him Abba, father

John the Revelator called him the Alpha and Omega

John called him the Good Shepherd

Mark called him the Great Physician

You and I joined with the Gospel writers and we call Him Jesus

Most of these encounters were not found in the temple. They were found in jail, in the street, in someones home, during tough times.

Closing

We’ve tried education - but our education is limited

We’ve tried government - government can’t even help itself

We’ve tried culture - is largely subjective and will leave somebody out

We’ve tried legislation - even long standing legislation can be changed with a majority on the bench

Some of us have tried our family members, your pastor, your friends, or your lover.

The world needs a balm in gilead.

The world is crying out I don’t need religion, I don’t need denomination, I don’t need church politics and polity. I need a balm! I’m tired of being sick and tired. I’m tired of worrying, I’m tired of being frustrated!

It ain’t no medicine that is produced from the earth

It’s Jesus the Christ

some trust in horses and some trust in chariots but I trust in the name of the Lord

for the name of the Lord is a strong tower and the righteous run therein and are safe

Read Psalms 46 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” The Lord of hosts is with us…”

The balm in Gilead lives on the inside of me. And if I hide me in a building, if I hide my gifts… I’ve hidden the somebody that can save anybody

There is a balm in Gilead

There is a balm in North America to include United States

There is a balm in Africa

There is a balm in Europe

There is a balm in Asia

There is a balm in South America

There is a balm in Australia

There is a balm even in Antartica

I won’t sit down on the balm

I won’t hide the balm

I won’t quench the balm

But this little light of mine - I’m going to let it shine

There is a balm for old people

There is a balm for young people

There is a balm for poor people

There is a balm for high people

There is a balm for people in jail

There is a balm for people grieving

There is a balm for every situation and its JESUS! Yes, He’s the one and the only one!