In the previous meditation, we saw recommendations for two possible scenarios. If you are going through tough times, pray; if you are enjoying a good break, sing. In our text today, we come across another scenario with its recommendation as well. James offered that if anyone is sick among the brethren, they should call for the elders who would pray and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. The text is laced with several golden lessons. James’ word was cast in probability – “Is any sick among you?” He did not say when you are sick, this is what to do. Healing from God is a good thing, but there is something even better – health. We need healing when we are sick, but God can take us to triumph over ailments altogether. Remembering life in the wilderness, the psalmist has this to say: “He also brought them out with silver and gold, And there was none feeble among His tribes.” (Psalms 105:37 NKJV). Millions of people probably left Egypt, and God kept them all strong.
“Healing from God is a good thing, but there is something even better – health. We need healing when we are sick, but God can take us to triumph over ailments altogether…Healing and health are by-products of grace.”
From our text, healing for anyone is tied to two conditions. Firstly, it is the prayer of faith that will save sick. So, it is not the oil that does it, faith must be employed. Pouring a whole bottle of oil on someone without faith will bring no positive result. Then it goes on to say that if the sick has committed any sin, it shall be forgiven him. We have the impression that the root cause of the sickness could be sin. Earlier, we said that God can take us to a place where we live above sicknesses or diseases. One condition to make this happen is a life of righteousness. Healing and health are by-products of grace. No one can continue in sin and think that grace will flow continually. Finally, this is not to suggest that every known ailment among brethren is a pointer to sin. When you have examined yourself and are clear of wrongdoing, you may need to go for a medical examination to determine what is going on.
