James 5:14 Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.
Oil represents several things in the Bible: the Holy Spirit, ordination into an office, and a balm for healing. Oil was often used in the ancient world in medicine. It was seen as a way to alleviate suffering. James likely focuses here not on the physical but the spiritual use of oil. Oil is still used today by some people for prayer. It represents the faith of those who pray. It is a symbolic act with the implied meaning of confidence in God to bring healing to a person. Calling upon the elders appeals to this call for faith. We usually assume those who are classified as elders have walked with God a long time and have strong faith. An elder in the New Testament period would be those believers who would be older in age and mature in their faith. They are the leaders in the local church. Praying “in the name of the Lord” shows the source of the healing. Jesus instructed his disciples to pray in his name (John 14:14). There is power in Jesus’ name. None of these things should be viewed as magical. We cannot coerce God into answering our prayers. They all represent the faith and confidence in God of those who pray. Gathering together to pray for healing builds our faith. Following James’ direction here gives us a clear path and a symbolic way to grow our confidence in God’s power to heal. God is in control and full able to answer any need we have. Whether God answers will depend on His plan for the sick. Pray places the sick into God’s care.
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