479. PSA 107:20. WORD OF GOD LIKENED TO MEDICINE

Psa_107:20. Word Of God Likened To Medicine

"He sent his word and healed them."’97Psa_107:20

The morally diseased condition of the human race is the subject of repeated testimony, in the holy scriptures. The description of Israel is not unsuitable to the whole family of man; "The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint, from the sole of the foot," &c., Isa_1:5. Of the moral malady of the soul, David was deeply conscious; hence he prayed, "Lord, be merciful unto me, heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee." Hence also he prayed on another occasion, "Have mercy upon me, for I am weak: heal me, for my bones are vexed; my soul is also sore vexed." It is probable that the text refers to bodily diseases, and the mercy of God communicated in healing them in answer to prayer. But the same gracious power and means will heal spiritual maladies, the moral diseases of the soul. Observe, I. The diseased State of the Soul. And, II. The Influence of the Word in healing it. Notice,

I. The diseased state of the Soul.

1. The disease itself.

It is sin. An unholy nature. Derangement of the moral powers of the mind and heart. All impurity is disease. All sin is unhealthiness. Consider,

2. Its source and origin.

This is the fallen condition of our nature through the first transgression. Adam transmitted to his posterity his own depravity. As the fountain was corrupted, the stream necessarily became impure. Diseased by his transgression, his children derived the germ of moral evil hereditarily from him.

3. Its universal influence.

It affects the whole man. Every faculty of the mind, and passion of the soul, are diseased. In the understanding there is blindness. In the judgment error. In the will perverseness. In the conscience defilement. In the affections corruption and earthliness. In the thoughts and desires evil, and that continually.

4. Its increasing virulence.

It deepens and expands, and becomes more powerful with the growth and habits of men. It yields not to education,’97paternal influence,’97example, &c. It never exhausts itself. It is not curable by change of place or society, or any self-exerted moral restraints.

5. Its fatal tendency.

It is a disease which ever ends in death. It is the deadly leprosy. The fatal plague No alternative but cure or death. Notice,

II. The Influence of the Word in healing it.

It is not the application of the mere letter of God’s word, which removes the guilt and depravity of the soul. The blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin. And it is by the Spirit’s influence on the heart that the old depravity of the soul is removed, and all things become new. The Spirit changes the heart, and transforms it from a state of stone and impenitence, to a state of susceptibility and love to God The Spirit quickens, renews, and sanctifies the soul; yet it may be truly said, that the word of God heals the soul.

1. As it reveals the divine recipe for our salvation.

It makes known the one great and in fallible remedy. It announces the one physician. The one catholicon for all moral diseases of mankind.

2. As it makes known the course necessary to our restoration.

It shows what we must forsake. What habits abandon,’97what society relinquish. It shows the necessity of reflection, turning from all evil, genuine repentance, and hearty faith in the atoning death of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. It publishes the offer of healing to every diseased soul.

Not only describes our sickness and misery, but makes known God’s gracious desire to restore us to health, and happiness, and eternal life. It expostulates and says, "Why will ye die," &c. "Is there no balm in Gilead," &c. "Wilt thou be made whole," &c.

4. It affirms the ability and readiness of Jesus to heal all who come to him.

It exhibits his gracious regards, and his tender solicitudes. It refers to the prodigies of his healing power in the days of his flesh. It avers his sufficient ability to save all, and to the uttermost who come unto God by him. It re-echoes his compassionate invitation, "Come unto me," &c.

5. It is in the cordial reception of the word that restoration is enjoyed.

When the sick believed in Christ’s word they were healed. When the father believed in Christ, his son was restored. So the woman of Canaan: so also when the multitude believed Peter, who preached the word, they were baptized into Christ, and added to his church, Act_2:41. See also Rom_10:17. Hence it is styled the "word of salvation." And the gospel is represented by the apostle as the "power of God," Rom_1:16. A knowledge of the truth makes free. Reception of the truth is connected with regeneration. And abiding in the truth is essential to spiritual growth, and progress in divine things, Joh_17:17.

Application

1. How thankful we should be for God’s word.

2. Its design should never be forgotten. It is sent to heal our souls. It is the message of eternal life.

3. Its possession involves great responsibility.

4. Its rejection is that unbelief which is threatened with damnation.

5. Invite the sinsick of every class, to hear and believe, and be healed.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS