How would you feel about a doctor habitually misdiagnosing and prescribing wrong medicine? Would you seek out such a doctor to be your physician? The answers are obvious, but in Spiritual matters too often a misdiagnosis is accepted and the wrong medicine desired.
Israel was sin sick in the times of the kings, especially the later kings. Early signs of illness were seen in symptoms noted by the prophet Samuel in their desire to be like the world around them (I Samuel 8). This came from an attitude of not wanting to be told what to do (Judg. 21:25). Rather than to receive a good diagnosis and spiritual medicine to help, they preferred to do what they wanted to do according to their assessment of what was right. Thus, every man did what was right in in his own eyes. A subjective world such as this is scary, because there is no objective moral standard of right and wrong on which to appeal. It’s the result of arrogant pride, moving one to the prideful position of no need for God and His Word.
What was needed then, they didn’t want. God’s guidance was rejected, His wisdom rebuffed (Prov. 1:20-24). It’s at this point confusion reigned and things didn’t get better (I Cor. 14:33). Confusion is man’s doing and not God’s. The Almighty is eminently organized. Look at His creation, examine His plan to save man, and His design, all reveal a God of organization, order not confusion.
God was waiting—waiting on His people to decide to reach out for help. He had then as He has now the diagnosis with the appropriate medicine (Jer. 8:22; 46:11; 51:8). He was ready to receive and help if called upon (II Chron. 7:14). He was ready to receive then as He is now (Luke 15).
The great Physician waits. Why? Because He made men and women to reason for themselves (Isa. 1:18). It’s evident the great Physician will not run one down to force medication upon them. He has diagnosed the problem (Rom. 10:1), He has the medicine (II Pet. 1:3), but many think it foolish (I Cor. 1:21). From days of old until today it has been the same (II Pet. 2:5). Today, with all the information available and great instruction from the past, one would think it better, but it’s not. The result is continued turmoil, confusion, perversion, crime and chaos. It is still the preached Word of God that turns honest and good hearts to salvation (Rom. 10:14-16). After all that’s transpired in this old world, some are still upside down (Isa. 5:20). He [God] waits.
Our nation, the world, and the church need resuscitation. Revival is needed. There is medicine in “Gilead,” a Doctor is waiting there to help, but masses look on with jaundiced eyes and refuse to seek His help. Why? It really doesn’t make sense. The tried and true medicine is available for the taking, but it is refused. It’s not the choice made for the physical body, and shouldn’t be for the spiritual one. “There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul.” Would that all would take hold of it today and live!
-David Hill, President of Tennessee Bible College