The Great Physician
D. A. Clark. Psalm 103:3 Who forgives all your iniquities; who heals all your diseases; I. DISEASE ITSELF AFFORDS US ONE OF OUR RICHEST LUXURIES. It is impossible to describe, to one who has not known the joy of a timely release from the fierceness of disease, the exquisite enjoyments of such an hour. And in this we see the goodness of God. "Sorrow may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." There may remain still great weakness, and much, that in other circumstances, would be called distress; but this is all forgotten amid the luxury of a temporary release, and a hope still better. II. WE SEE DIVINE GOODNESS IN THE EFFORTS THAT NATURE MAKES TO EFFECT HER OWN CURE. By "nature" I mean the unseen operation of His hand who healeth all our diseases; I mean God Himself, operating by certain laws which He has indented upon every part of our frame. The cure is effected without a miracle, but not without the finger of God. David, when diseased, was cured like other men, by the laws of matter, and by human means; still he takes occasion to bless and praise Jehovah as Him who healeth all our diseases. III. THE GREAT VARIETY OF SPECIFICS FOUND IN EVERY PART OF THE CREATION, FOR THE VARIOUS DISEASES OF MEN, SPEAK THE DIVINE GOODNESS. Probably there is not a plant or shrub that grows but yields us either food or medicine. The severest poisons are, at length, in many instances, considered the safest and speediest remedies. The mineral and vegetable kingdoms are constantly pouring their treasures into the chamber of distress. And there seems an almost inexhaustible variety. Hence they furnish a specific for every disease. Now in all this how good is God! He could have sent the plague without the remedy, the poison without the antidote. It would be our shame if we could withhold our praise, and yet live in a world so full of the glory of God, where every plant, and shrub, and mineral speaks His praise, and every disease yields to the specific He prescribes. IV. IT STILL IS TRUE THAT IT IS GOD WHO HEALETH ALL OUR DISEASES. But for that wisdom which He has given to man, physicians could never have known the nature or the virtue of those plants and minerals which are their appointed remedy. And His blessing makes the means effectual. REMARKS. 1. A period of recovery from sickness should be a season of praise. 2. The life that God has made His care should be devoted to Him. 3. We see why many have praised the Lord upon the sick bed. It is not a place so destitute of comforts as many have supposed. 4. The subject will lead us to reflect with the psalmist on the wondrous mechanism of our natures. (D. A. Clark.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; WEB: who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases;