Panpharmacon

In Matthew Henry’s commentary, “Matthew to John: Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible”, is a quote that I would like to share:

"How powerful the Physician was; He healed all that were brought to Him, though ever so many. Nor was it some one particular disease, that Christ set up for the cure of, but He healed those that were sick of diverse diseases, for His Word was a panpharmacon – a salve for every sore.”

Aren’t these comforting words? Henry’s words, penned centuries ago, portray a dramatic representation of Christ the Healer. God and His Word are unchanging – as Henry composed these words so many years ago – I wonder if he or someone in his family battled illness? The relevance of God’s Word for all generations, for all individuals and for all circumstances is timeless.

Reflect on the specialists in today’s world of modern medicine – cardiologists, oncologists, nephrologists, just to name a few. Our Heavenly Father holds credentials to heal all diseases. He is THE specialist of the universe. Nothing is too difficult for Him to heal. No medical journal or teaching compares to a panpharmacon.

Panpharmacon – is that not an inspiring word? The 1913 edition of Webster’s Dictionary offers this definition for panpharmacon: “A medicine for all diseases; a panacea.” That is precisely what Christ is to us – He is our balm of Gilead and Healer.

Jeremiah 46:11 instructs: “Go up into Gilead and take [healing] balm …! In vain do you use many medicines; for you there is no healing or remedy.” I treasure this verse as it illustrates a striking word picture for me. How many times have I been told there is no cure or remedy for this leukemia that ensnares my bone marrow? There is not one medication that has the potential (apart from God’s intervention) to cure me. Yet, these instructions from Jeremiah advise us to turn to His healing balm when all else fails.