As James wraps up his very practical book on Christian living, he ends with the topic of sickness. He begins in verses 13-16 by describing 3 circumstances of life. At all times we are in one of these 3 circumstances. He begins with those who are suffering and according to James, in these times of our lives we are to pray. Second, James address the times in our lives when we are cheerful. In these times we are to sing praise to God.
Now James gets to his main point. He now speaks of those who are physically sick (v14-16). This is not a word describing minor sicknesses such as the flu or a cold. This word described a serious condition, one that was beyond human ability to treat. This word was used to describe the royal officer’s son who was about to die in John 4:46-47; Lazarus who shortly after did die in John 11:1-3, 6; Dorcas in Acts 9:37, who also died; and it was used to describe Epaphroditus who Paul described as being close to death (Philippians 2:26-27).
What are we to do when we are facing a serious physical condition? James teaches that it is the sick person who is to take the initiative to call for the Elders of the church who are to anoint the sick person with oil and pray for them. This anointing was not medicinal but rather a symbol of the Holy Spirit (James 4:5). According to James, the prayer offered in faith by the church leaders will restore the sick one and the Lord will raise him up.
It is obvious from this passage that God still does heal. However, it is very important to properly interpret Scripture with Scripture in this case and realize that our prayers being answered are conditional on our requests being God’s will (1 John 5:4). It is obvious from Scripture that it is not always God’s will to heal. Many examples show this to be true. Paul had a thorn the flesh which was most likely a physical ailment that God did not heal (2 Corinthians 12:7). Timothy had a stomach problem that was not healed (1 Timothy 5:23). On one of Paul’s journeys he had to leave Trophimus in the city of Miletus sick (2 Timothy 4:20).
James further says that when we are in this type of sickness, we also have a need to confess our sins. James now makes a specific connection between the sickness involved and sin. He states that if the sick person has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Since we all have sinned, this must refer to specific sin which has caused the illness. Please understand that all illness is not due to sin, but some can be. James is speaking in this passage of sickness that is the result of sin. He says that if the illness is due to sin and prayer and confession takes place, God promises to forgive and to heal.
The bottom line to the whole passage is that of trust. When we are seriously ill we should call for the leaders of the church to anoint us and pray for us. When we are seriously ill we should examine our lives and confess any sin that God reveals to us. When we are seriously ill we should trust God’s will. God will do one of three things and whatever it is that is His will can be trusted to be perfect in purpose and timing. He may choose to heal us. However, as in the case with Paul’s thorn in the flesh, He may choose to give us the grace to endure the sickness. He also may use the sickness to take us home to heaven, which after all, is the ultimate healing.
Now James gets to his main point. He now speaks of those who are physically sick (v14-16). This is not a word describing minor sicknesses such as the flu or a cold. This word described a serious condition, one that was beyond human ability to treat. This word was used to describe the royal officer’s son who was about to die in John 4:46-47; Lazarus who shortly after did die in John 11:1-3, 6; Dorcas in Acts 9:37, who also died; and it was used to describe Epaphroditus who Paul described as being close to death (Philippians 2:26-27).
What are we to do when we are facing a serious physical condition? James teaches that it is the sick person who is to take the initiative to call for the Elders of the church who are to anoint the sick person with oil and pray for them. This anointing was not medicinal but rather a symbol of the Holy Spirit (James 4:5). According to James, the prayer offered in faith by the church leaders will restore the sick one and the Lord will raise him up.
It is obvious from this passage that God still does heal. However, it is very important to properly interpret Scripture with Scripture in this case and realize that our prayers being answered are conditional on our requests being God’s will (1 John 5:4). It is obvious from Scripture that it is not always God’s will to heal. Many examples show this to be true. Paul had a thorn the flesh which was most likely a physical ailment that God did not heal (2 Corinthians 12:7). Timothy had a stomach problem that was not healed (1 Timothy 5:23). On one of Paul’s journeys he had to leave Trophimus in the city of Miletus sick (2 Timothy 4:20).
James further says that when we are in this type of sickness, we also have a need to confess our sins. James now makes a specific connection between the sickness involved and sin. He states that if the sick person has committed sins, they will be forgiven him. Since we all have sinned, this must refer to specific sin which has caused the illness. Please understand that all illness is not due to sin, but some can be. James is speaking in this passage of sickness that is the result of sin. He says that if the illness is due to sin and prayer and confession takes place, God promises to forgive and to heal.
The bottom line to the whole passage is that of trust. When we are seriously ill we should call for the leaders of the church to anoint us and pray for us. When we are seriously ill we should examine our lives and confess any sin that God reveals to us. When we are seriously ill we should trust God’s will. God will do one of three things and whatever it is that is His will can be trusted to be perfect in purpose and timing. He may choose to heal us. However, as in the case with Paul’s thorn in the flesh, He may choose to give us the grace to endure the sickness. He also may use the sickness to take us home to heaven, which after all, is the ultimate healing.
Sickness is in the nature of suffering, what we all experience in this world, sinners or saints. It is unfortunate that sick people must also endure the belief that their suffering might also be a punishment from an unmerciful heaven. Isn't it healthier to understand sickness is just one river of suffering associated with the human condition and therefore deserving of our compassion? As one doctor told me, last time he checked the mortality rate was still 100%.
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