Thoughts in Worship

Message Magazine's Online Devotional for Sabbath, December 23, 2017

Audio Link: https://www.spreaker.com/user/reachmanyradio/thoughts-in-worship-12-23-2017

This is devotional thought number 27 in our devotional series, God’s Promises are Sure!

“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: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14–15).

I love this passage. I find hope and comfort in God’s willingness to heal, save, and use feeble people to manifest His power in areas we have no power.

Are you sick, whether in mind or body? If so, go to the elders of the church and request a prayer meeting. Ask them to anoint you with oil, and expect God to do wondrous things. The Bible says that in this context, those who need healing should exercise faith in His process. Do not be fearful to request the prayer support of His chosen vessels. Do not make it your business to evaluate them on whether they are worthy to pray for you. God knows the elders by name. He knows their motives. Leave that up to Him. You just be obedient and call them together, and count on Him to do all He has promised.

Notice what the Bible says as the thought continues: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16). If you are seeking healing from God, not only are you to make request from Him, ask the elders for prayer and anointing support, but you need to confess and forsake your sins. This is an area these serial false healing services you may see on TV neglect. God is not just throwing around His power to heal in ways that do not glorify Him. We cannot expect God to heal our high blood pressure while we eat unwisely or hold malice for others in our hearts. We cannot expect God to take away the disease from our lungs while we smoke weed or anything else. We cannot expect God to miraculously mend our livers while we continue to drink alcohol. We cannot expect God to heal our hearing while we daily put in earbuds blasting evil music. God is not a partner in unrighteousness. He is willing to work with those who will ultimately work with Him. Our confession and repentance may have nothing to do with our ailment; don’t get me wrong. For those instances, we just want to be able to receive His blessing because those who hide our sins will not prosper, but those who confess and forsake will receive His mercy. If you have wronged or harmed someone, confess and make amends. When we allow the Holy Spirit to heal us spiritually, many times God will continue to do so physically like Jesus did in Mark 2.

Let me just say here, that God knows all. He is sovereign over all. He knows what is best in all situations. The guarantee of the text is that the prayer of faith will save the sick. That is to say, He will save all who follow the guidance of the text as long as they continue to follow the guidance. He will forgive, cleanse, and save them. If it is His will, He will also miraculously and instantaneously lift the disease or ailment, or provide wisdom on how to cooperate with nature to find gradual healing. As long as you have the full assurance of faith, and follow His leading on this, He will keep His promise. Trust Him like the man born blind who received miraculous healing. Trust Him like Paul who needed power over his eye problems, but God chose to let him continue with it while He gave him the grace to bear it. Both men were beloved of God. Both received the power of salvation. Both received God’s will for their lives. Trust Him, and receive...