BibleDiscipleship

Sin Creates an Incurable Wound

Though the words were spoken 2,600 years ago, sin is still sin and mankind continues to stumble in selfishness and insurrection.

____________ “For thus says the LORD:
____________ Your hurt is incurable,
_________________ and your wound is grievous.
____________ There is none to uphold your cause,
_________________ no medicine for your wound,
_________________ no healing for you.
____________ All your lovers have forgotten you;
_________________ they care nothing for you;
____________ for I have dealt you the blow of an enemy,
_________________ the punishment of a merciless foe,
____________ because your guilt is great,
_________________ because your sins are flagrant.
____________ Why do you cry out over your hurt?
_________________ Your pain is incurable.
____________ Because your guilt is great,
_________________ because your sins are flagrant,
_________________ I have done these things to you.” (Jer 30:12-15)

Flagrant sin creates a wound that is incurable for human beings. Scoffing at it will not salve. Making light of it will not alleviate. Downplaying it will not dampen the pain. The hurt is incurable. The wound is grievous. And there is no medicine.

Rebellion against the Sovereign Creator of the universe cannot be satisfactorily soothed with drugs, alcohol, sex, a new job, a new house, marriage, divorce, a second marriage, children, man-made religion, societal advancement or the acquiring of more stuff. The alluring lovers who deceptively promise us satisfaction and healing and fulfillment inevitably forsake us, leaving behind guilt that is crushing and pain that is merciless. The bandaids of this world may temporarily hide the holes, but they cannot heal the wounds.

Thanks be to God, therefore, that he is patient and gracious (Jer 30:17). His Son, Jesus the Christ, “made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant” (Phil 2:5-7). He welcomed receptive tax collectors and penitent sinners as sufferers in need of healing. When the religious elite grumbled and questioned his motives, Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Mat 9:10-13; Luke 5:29-32).

There are some wounds that are incurable apart from Christ. The gospel clearly communicates that healing is available, hurts are curable, and sin is forgivable. But only for those who are willing to admit that they are needy, sick, and helpless. Only for those who flee to Jesus as the Great Physician.

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