Day 103
James 5:14
"Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:"
It is interesting to note that James asked, "Is there any sick among you?" It sounds like sickness among the Body of Christ was not acceptable to them. James gave instructions to the church on how to get the sick back to health.
The leaders of the church in its early stages were intolerant of sickness and disease. There is no record of anyone giving God glory by remaining sick. James 5:15 said the elders' prayer of faith would save the sick, and the Lord would restore him. Although doctors and medicine were available during that time, that was not where the Christians were told to look for their deliverance. No one condemned the medical profession or gave any commands to shun physicians. Christians simply assumed that God was the source of their help. They also assumed that healing would always be the result.
James was very bold in his statement in verse 15 about the Lord raising up the sick. He used no "ifs" or "buts." Very matter-of-factly, he said God would raise them up. What is our attitude about sickness and disease? Do we tolerate it as just a normal part of life? Is seeking God's help a last resort?
Let us catch the spirit of James, relative to healing. If disease attacks our bodies, let us treat the occurrence as an illegal invasion. We must not flow with it, but resist it. If we need assistance, let us call for spiritual help first. May we look to God always and expect total victory, whether we use a doctor's help or not.
I will be intolerant of sickness and disease. If it comes my way, I will look to God as the source of my healing and health.