What should a Christian do when physical and mental problems bear down upon him and depression sets in? James says pray, not just once, but repeatedly. On the other hand, if we are joyful and full of good spirits we ought to let it be known through songs of praise. A Christian ought to be as ready to thank God for the good as he is to plead with him to relieve the bad (James 5:13).
James also urged the sick to call for the elders so they might pray for them and anoint them with oil. Oil was used symbolically in the appointment of kings and prophets (1 Samuel 10:1; 9; 16:13). It was also used for medicinal purposes (Isaiah 1:6; Luke 10:34). Still another usage is found in the working of miracles (Mark 6:13).
Is the healing James speaks of miraculous or providential (through medicine)? Let us suggest that, during the age of miracles, it could have been either. Now, of course, it could only be providential. In either case, the prayer of faith would have to be understood as a prayer which is in accord with the Lord’s will (1 John 5:14-15).
If the sick needed to repent, they could likewise have their sins forgiven by repenting and asking the elders to pray about that while present (James 5:14-15; 1 John 1:9). Several cases of illness can be found in the New Testament (Philippians 2:25-30; 1 Timothy 5:23; 2 Timothy 4:20; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9). It is interesting to note the power of healing was not even used by an inspired apostle under all circumstances.
James encouraged those in the first century church to keep on confessing their sins to one another and to keep on praying one for another. A similar concept is found in 1 John 1:7 where the apostle of love urged his readers to keep on walking in the light so they could have the continual cleansing of the Lord’s blood. Note that no one is set above another in the church. All are enjoined to confess to one another. All should desire the healing power of God’s and the brethren’s forgiveness (Matthew 5:23-24). When one who does the Lord’s will petitions him, God promises such a prayer has much power (James 5:16).
Elijah was used by James as an example of a man, with the same weaknesses and desires as other men, who had his prayer powerfully answered. The story comes from 1 Kings 17:18-46. Jesus referred to it in Luke 4:25. First, under God’s direction, he prayed it would not rain. God closed up the heavens for three and a half years. Then, he prayed again. Elijah truly was fervent in prayer, as he prayed seven times before the rain came at the end of this great drought. When it did rain, the earth began to produce again (James 5:17-18).
It is obvious James believed one could err from the truth. Yet, how can one wander from something in which he has not been? So, Christians can fall from grace (See also Galatians 5:2-4; 2 Timothy 2:16-18). To turn a man back is to cause him to change course. By causing him to change course, we can save his soul from death. This would not be physical death, as all men are appointed to die once (Hebrews 9:27), but the second death described by John in Revelation 20:13-15. By causing him to seek forgiveness, his brethren are assured by James God will hide his sins so they will be seen, or remembered, no more (James 5:19-20).
James’ closing instructions show us how to live the Christian life daily. Let us heed his advice. It will lead to God’s blessings here and eternity with him in the hereafter.
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