Finding Comfort In Uncomfortable Times: The Healing Balm of Gilead

In times of distress and sorrow, even fear, humanity seeks solace and comfort. In the midst of our pain, we long for a balm to soothe our wounded spirits. Yet, where do we turn when the world offers no relief? It is to the God of all comfort that we must look, for in Him alone do we find true and lasting consolation. Join us on a journey through Scripture as we explore the depth of God’s comforting presence, symbolized by the ancient balm of Gilead and ultimately fulfilled in the healing blood of Jesus Christ and the coming of the Divine Holy Spirit.

The Source of Comfort:

The apostle Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (ESV): “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Here, Paul reveals God as the ultimate source of comfort, whose compassion knows no bounds. He opens this passage on comfort by giving us a fresh look at God and encouragement to be comforters to others with the same comfort we receive from God.

He is The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

Paul introduces the source of all comfort. He is THE God and there is none other. God the almighty and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. The God who loves us so much that He gave His son to die as a sacrifice for us. God, who became our father when we received His son as our savior. God created all things, even the healing balm. He is the great physician. But, God did not speak our salvation into existence. Only by the shedding of blood is there remission of sin. God had to die for us by His own standard. His Son was given as a offering for us. Brutal and mercilessly He died to purchase our pardon. The one who gives mercy was given no mercy.

The Father of mercies

As the “Father of mercies,” God is portrayed as a loving and compassionate Father who extends His mercy and grace generously to His children. This title underscores His willingness to forgive, His compassion towards those in need, and His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. His desire is to save. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance.

God of all comfort

Now, we come to the focus of our study today. God our comforter. Let’s begin by looking at some examples of the Father and the Son comforting his people.

Examples of God and Jesus comforting people in Scripture:

1. God’s Comfort:
   • Isaiah 40:1 (ESV) – “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”
     • In this verse, God commands His people to be comforted, indicating His desire to bring consolation and relief to them during times of distress or difficulty.
2. Jesus’ Comfort:
   • Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV) – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
     • Jesus offers comfort to those who are weary and burdened, inviting them to come to Him for rest and relief from their troubles. His gentle and compassionate nature provides solace to those who seek Him.
3. Jesus’ Compassion Towards the Sick:
   • Matthew 14:14 (ESV) – “When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick.”
     • Jesus demonstrates His compassion by healing the sick and infirm, bringing physical and emotional comfort to those who are suffering.
4. Jesus’ Comfort in Grief:
   • John 11:33-35 (ESV) – “When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and greatly troubled. And he said, ‘Where have you laid him?’ They said to him, ‘Lord, come and see.’ Jesus wept.”
     • Jesus displays empathy and comfort to Mary and Martha upon the death of their brother Lazarus. His tears and presence with them in their grief demonstrate His deep compassion and understanding.

These examples illustrate God’s and Jesus’ roles as sources of comfort and solace for those in need. Whether offering words of assurance, physical healing, or emotional support, both God and Jesus extend their love and care to those who seek them. Only the Lord can bring healing, comfort, and hope when the sickness prevails. When the wounds are open and hurting only the balm of his love and grace, His shed blood, can bring comfort to a hurting soul.

Old Testament Connection

I’d like for you to consider an Old Testament connection to healing and comforting the wounded. In ancient times when a person needed comfort from pain and suffering, they would seek balm. The most effective balm was in the region of Gilead and renowned for it’s healing properties. It was a fragrant resin with healing properties. Jeremiah 8:22 (ESV) poignantly 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?” His audience would recognize this healing balm and the need for it as medicine. But. Jeremiah is asking metaphorical questions that underscores the inadequacy of worldly remedies to heal the deep wounds of the soul. Only the Lord can deliver the comfort they seek.

The balm of Gilead refers to a resinous substance extracted from certain trees native to the region of Gilead, which was located in present-day Jordan, east of the Jordan River. Gilead was renowned for its rich and fertile land, making it an ideal environment for cultivating aromatic plants and trees.The balm-producing tree believed to be referenced in the Bible is the Commiphora gileadensis, also known as the Balsamodendron gileadense or the Commiphora opobalsamum. Now, I’ll be transparent, I’m not sure if I can pronounce any of those names, so I’ll call it the balm tree. This tree produced a resin that was highly valued for its medicinal and aromatic properties. The resin was harvested by making incisions in the bark of the tree, allowing the sap to flow out and harden into a fragrant, golden-colored substance known as the balm of Gilead.The significance of Gilead in relation to the rest of Israel lies in its reputation as a land of abundance and healing. The balm of Gilead was renowned throughout the ancient Near East for its medicinal properties and was sought after for its ability to treat various ailments, wounds, and injuries. Gilead became synonymous with healing and comfort, symbolizing God’s provision and care for His people. The tribe of Gilead was responsible for cultivating and harvesting the balm. However, due to its valuable nature, the balm was often traded and sold by merchants from various regions. The application of the balm varied depending on the ailment or condition being treated. It was commonly used topically as a salve or ointment for wounds, burns, and skin irritations. The balm of Gilead was considered a luxury item and was therefore quite expensive. Its high value was attributed to its scarcity, as well as its efficacy in treating various medical conditions. The scent of the balm was described as sweet, aromatic, and pleasant, often compared to the fragrance of flowers or spices.While the original balm of Gilead may no longer be available for purchase today, there are modern-day equivalents and substitutes that can be used for medicinal and aromatic purposes. Essential oils derived from similar aromatic plants, such as frankincense, myrrh, and cedarwood, are often used as alternatives to the ancient balm of Gilead.

The Healing Blood:

The prophet Isaiah foretold of a coming Savior whose wounds would bring healing to the brokenhearted. Isaiah 53:5 (ESV) declares, “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” Here, we see the profound connection between the wounds of Christ and the balm of Gilead, as His sacrificial death provides the ultimate remedy for sin and suffering. His side was pierced and water and blood flowed out. Just as the balm tree was cut open to allow the healing to flow. So, Jesus was cut open to allow the eternal healing blood to flow. Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow.

New Testament Fulfillment:

In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Luke 4:18-19 (ESV) records His words: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” As the embodiment of God’s comfort and healing, Jesus offers hope and restoration to all who come to Him in faith.

While the Bible does not specifically refer to Jesus’ offering as “balm” or “perfume,” there are descriptions of Jesus’ sacrifice using symbolic language that conveys similar ideas. In Ephesians 5:2, Paul describes Jesus’ sacrifice as a “fragrant offering and sacrifice to God,” emphasizing the pleasing aroma of Christ’s sacrifice to God. This imagery suggests a sense of sweetness and delight, similar to the fragrance of perfume or balm. Additionally, in 2 Corinthians 2:15, Paul speaks of believers as being the “fragrance of Christ,” further highlighting the idea of Christ’s sacrifice as a sweet-smelling aroma. While these passages do not directly equate Jesus’ offering to balm or perfume, they use imagery that evokes similar ideas of sweetness, fragrance, and pleasing aroma.

The Comforter:

Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit as the Comforter to His disciples. John 14:16-17 (ESV) states, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” The Holy Spirit, as the abiding presence of God, brings comfort, guidance, and assurance to believers in every circumstance.

Applications and Encouragements:

As recipients of God’s comfort, we are called to extend that same comfort to others. 2 Corinthians 1:4 (ESV) exhorts us, “Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” Just as the balm of Gilead brings healing to wounded souls, so too are we called to be vessels of God’s healing grace to a hurting world.

Our Christian life can be likened to the balm of Gilead in several ways:

1. Healing and Restoration: Just as the balm of Gilead was known for its healing properties, our Christian life is characterized by the healing and restoration that comes through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus offers healing for our spiritual brokenness, forgiveness for our sins, and restoration of our relationship with God.
2. Comfort and Soothing: The balm of Gilead provided comfort and soothing relief for physical ailments. Similarly, Jesus offers comfort and solace to those who are hurting or burdened. He invites us to cast our cares upon Him, promising to give us rest and peace in the midst of life’s challenges.
3. Renewal and Refreshment: Just as the balm of Gilead was used to revive and refresh weary souls, our Christian life brings renewal and refreshment through the presence of the Holy Spirit. As we abide in Christ and allow His Spirit to work in us, we experience inner transformation and spiritual renewal.
4. Protection and Preservation: The balm of Gilead was also used for its protective properties, guarding against infection and promoting healing. In a similar way, our Christian faith offers protection and preservation against the attacks of the enemy. As we walk in obedience to God’s Word and rely on His strength, we are kept safe and secure in His love.

Jesus Himself can be likened to the balm of Gilead in that He embodies all these qualities and more:

1. Healing and Wholeness: Jesus is the ultimate source of healing and wholeness for humanity. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, He offers forgiveness for sin and restoration to God. His wounds bring healing to our brokenness, both spiritually and emotionally.
2. Comfort and Compassion: Jesus is described as the “Man of Sorrows” who is acquainted with grief (Isaiah 53:3). He offers comfort and compassion to those who are hurting, extending His arms of love to all who come to Him in faith.
3. Renewal and Restoration: Jesus has the power to renew and restore what has been lost or broken. He makes all things new and offers abundant life to those who follow Him. Through His resurrection, He conquered sin and death, providing hope for eternal renewal.
4. Protection and Provision: Jesus is our Good Shepherd who protects and provides for His sheep. He watches over us with loving care, guiding us in the paths of righteousness and guarding us from harm. In Him, we find safety and security for our souls.

Our Christian life reflects the healing, comfort, renewal, and protection found in the balm of Gilead, with Jesus Himself as the ultimate source of these blessings. As we abide in Him and walk closely with Him, we experience the fullness of His grace and the richness of His love.

Let us fix our eyes on the God of all comfort, who offers solace to the brokenhearted and healing to the wounded. May we find refuge in His presence, trusting in His unfailing love and mercy. As we journey through life’s trials and tribulations, let us cling to the promise of redemption and restoration found in the balm of Gilead—the precious blood of Jesus Christ. B