Ponder: How is your health?
Scripture: “But they mocked the messengers of God, despised His word, and scoffed at His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, till there was no remedy” (2 Chron. 36:16, NKJV).
How dreadful is the diagnosis, “incurable”! God struck the wicked king Jehoram with an incurable disease in his intestines (2 Chron. 21:18). The Holy Spirit used that same term (Heb. “marpay,” a negative coupled with healing or cure) to describe the nation of Judah’s spiritual condition under the influence of the ungodly king Zedekiah, as noted in today’s Scripture. Proverbs 29:1 warned of the very fate that Judah was experiencing: “He who is often rebuked and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy.”
Jeremiah had lamented earlier, “We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of health (marpay without the negative) and there was trouble” (Jer. 8:15). Note that peace (with God and with other people) is placed alongside good spiritual health.
Again, the prophet cried in agony, “Have you utterly rejected Judah? Has your soul loathed Zion? Why have You stricken us so that there is no healing for us?” (Jer. 14:19).
It was too late for Judah. Death, destruction, and seventy long years of captivity awaited them. The good news is that “to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing (marpay without the negative) in His wings” (Mal. 4:2). While our sins have made us spiritual slaves and captives, Jesus the Christ heals and frees us through faith and obedience to the Gospel. Let us not be among those who harden their necks, but rather let us fear God and keep His commandments!
Hymn: “Have Thine Own Way, Lord”
Prayer: Gracious God, we thank and praise You for the Sun of Righteousness who heals our souls and releases us from sin’s slavery. Please help us to hold You in reverence and obey Your commands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Joe Slater
