In the name of the Lord

Tuesday - 10/16 - Read James 5:13-20

Last Sunday we discovered that we can overcome the pressure that affliction brings into our lives, first of all, through a healing community.

Every church needs leaders who are setting the example in this area. Leaders must lead.

James recognized this when he instructed elders to be willing to go to the homes of sick people to anoint them with oil and pray for them.

As we discovered, the Greek word for oil was a word that would normally be associated with medicinal application. There is another Greek word that would be more applicable to religious or ceremonial anointing. James purposefully avoided that word for the medicinal word.

I suggested on Sunday that the modern day application of this would be for the Elders to encourage people to go see a doctor. What do you think of this?

Even so, James was very careful to say, "anoint him with oil IN THE NAME OF THE LORD." All healing, whether supernatural or through health care providers is seen from God.

We want to be very careful to ultimately trust God for recovery from sickness, disease or physical injury.

Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday