Faith

God is our Comforter and Restorer

by Jenor Aguilar
04/19/20
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Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; 15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him (James 5:14-15).

According to the Bible Journey, the Letter of James was written shortly after the persecution of the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, and following their dispersal throughout Judaea and Samaria, to Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch in Syria following Stephen’s death in 35AD (see Acts 8:1, 11:19, James 1:1 and Map 17). This makes it the earliest of all the New Testament writings, including the gospels.

The persecutions and suffering of believers during that time it was severe and painful. In record, there are some believers executed, and some fallen from their faith because of the wanton onslaught from the powerful, rich, and wicked imperium (James 5:6). That’s why here in chapter 5, James laid down the importance of “intercession ministry” to our weak and fallen brethren spiritually were the victims of tyranny (James 5:15).

The correct understanding of the word “sick” in this chapter is not referring to physical illness. But the spiritual restoration of the weak, fallen, exhausted, depressed, wounded, or defeated Christians (James 5:19-20; Hebrews 13:3). Nor does the word “restore” inevitably refer to physical healing. That’s why we have our elders/pastors ministering us in prayer because they are matured enough to support us spiritually (Galatians 6:1).

In this period of uncertainty, for sure, some believers continue to suffer the ongoing effect of coronavirus. Some, almost giving up their faith, besides those brethren are unrecognizable, such only our prayer chains can reach them out.

Finally, we need the body of Christ to get united in prayer, for those who are weary, struggling, and defeated, that God will comfort and restore them in faith. James 5:16 said, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.