Encouragement and Exhortation
James 5:13-20
5:13–20 Pray, sing, be anointed and healed! Christians should be bold in expressing their emotions before the Lord, whether that involves sorrow expressed in prayer, or joy expressed in worship (5:13). Those who are ill should not hesitate to ask for prayer. The prayer of faith will heal, and if sin is involved and confessed, God will forgive (5:14–16; see 1 John 1:9). Elijah is our model: Though he was human just like us, his prayers had amazing results (5:17–18; see 1 Kings 17:1; 18:41–46). However, it is not always God’s will to heal the sick (see exposition on 1 Tim. 5:21–25). Suffering, if rightly understood and endured by the believer, can bring glory to God (see Exod. 4:11; John 9:1–3; see exposition on 2 Cor. 12:7–10). Note that healing is promised not through so-called faith healers but through elders of local churches. James also urged concern for the spiritually sick (5:19–20).
Willmington, H. L. Willmington’s Bible Handbook. Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 1997. Print.
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