Revelation of Word:

THEME: BALM OF GILEAD

James 5:14-15 NIV

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.”

INSIGHT

–Jesus is our Healer and by His stripes we are healed. The prayer of faith by one who is afflicted receives healing. The Balm of Gilead was often times used for the anointing of the sick and they would get well. Anyone who is sick is called therefore to rely on God’s power and through faith receive healing.

SUMMARY

Balm of Gilead had several uses in the ancient or Biblical times. They flavored mummified meat, perfumed and preserved the bodies of those who had passed, and they had healing properties. The ancient salve mixtures could contain a number of ingredients from beeswax to balsam and poplar tree juices. Balm of Gilead is then an important ointment used for healing. Jeremiah confronts Idol worship performed by the Israelites who had abandoned God and aroused His anger. He then asks “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her king no longer there?” (Jeremiah 8:19-22). The balm of Gilead therefore is symbolic to the healing of the nation for the people were crushed and an emphasis was necessary for them to turning back to God. Jeremiah also cautioned the people to flee from Babylon. The city that entices the people into sin through drunkenness and sexual misconduct (Jeremiah 51:6-8). He emphasized on the need to get the balm of Gilead that offers healing from their sinful ways that of course pointing to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jeremiah also cautioned the people of the coming of the Day of the Lord that will be comprised of vengeance (Jeremiah 46:10-11). The balm of Gilead is then a beneficial symbol of the gift of salvation. We are reminded that Jesus Christ will come like a thief and blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed (Revelation 16:15). Joseph was at the verge of death when his brothers threw him into a dry cistern. The brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelite’s coming from Gilead with their camels loaded with spices and balm (Genesis 37:25-28). The balm of Gilead therefore symbolizes the salvation of Joseph from the pit of death and sustenance of the people from destruction by drought that came about thereafter.

PRAYER

Dear Heavenly Father we come before You this day with thanksgiving in our hearts. We thank You and honor You for You are Great and greatly to be praise. You are wonderful dear Lord Jesus. You are excellent Abba Father. We put all our trust in You Father. Lord You sustain those who are sick and restore them to full health. May You heal all those who are sick and suffering among us dear Lord Jesus. May You strengthen and heal each one in the mind, heart, and body today. May the Holy Spirit guide us in peace, joy and comfort, and increase our faith in You. May You bless us and keep us dear Lord Jesus. May You shine Your face towards us and be gracious unto us. May You show Your countenance unto us and give us peace. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forevermore. Amen.

Further reading: 1 Peter 2:24

Blessed Weekend

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