James 5:13-15

Responses to Various Situations

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; 1 Samuel 9:1-27; 1 Samuel 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 (1 Peter 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.