Click this link for the tune for this old hymn: https://www.hymnal.net/en/hymn/h/753
"The Branch of Healing"
by
A. B. Simpson
There is a healing branch that grows
Where every bitter Marah flows;
This is our health-renewing tree.
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
There is an old appointed way
For those who hearken and obey;
Above the gate these words we see:
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
There is an ordinance that has stood
Since Israel crossed the parted flood;
It stands today for you and me—
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
There is a great Physician still
Whose hand has all its ancient skill;
At His command our pains will flee—
“I am the Lord that healeth thee.”
The words to this ancient hymn were written by Rev. Dr. Albert B. Simpson, founder of the Christian & Missionary Alliance, (check the link for more information).
The song is based on the passage in Exodus 15:22-26, just after the children of Israel had crossed the Red Sea on dry land...they had been a part of such a huge miracle from God, and then three days later they found themselves in the wilderness with no water.
Starting at verse 23. "Now when they came to Marah, they could not drink the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah (which means "bitter").
24. And the people complained against Moses, saying,
"What shall we drink?"
25. So he cried out to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet.
There He (God) made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them.
26. and said, "If you diligently heed the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in His sight, give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians.
For I AM the Lord who heals you."
In my Bible notes regarding verse 25, (The New Scofield Study Bible, NKJV), it explains as follows:
"Israel came to this bitter water while walking in the very path of the Lord's leading, thus indicating that difficult experiences for God's people are educative rather than punitive. The piece of wood which healed the water should remind the Christian that the cross of Christ can take all the bitterness out of all such experiences and observe that after trial which is accepted as the Father's will, blessing and growth will follow."
I was praying through my prayer list yesterday, and realized that there are so many dear friends in need of a "Branch of Healing" in their lives right now. It seems as though the list keeps growing every day. These are all wonderful, godly, Christian people, who are afflicted with serious illnesses and difficulties. I can say that in each one that I'm thinking of, they truly love the Lord and trust in His Word. I have not heard one person say, "Why me, Lord?", or complain against the Lord in any way, even though they may be in great pain or distress. I do believe that our Lord still heals today...and I know He wants to give comfort and strength to all of His children who are suffering. I've discovered that sometimes our physical healing does not happen here on earth...but we are ultimately completely healed when we enter heaven's gates. In either case, may we keep our eyes focused on the Lord, and trust in that One that provided that Branch of Healing for us on the cross...Jesus..."I Am the Lord who healeth thee!"
