I want to share an article written by Elder Buddy Abernathy on the subject of “healing.” We often hear about “divine healers” today, which claim to have the ability to call down the power of God for physical healing under certain circumstances. I do not believe in “divine healers” – the gifts of healing we read about in the New Testament passed from the scene after the time of the Apostles.
However, I DO believe in “divine healing”! In this article, Bro. Buddy rightly divides the issue of trusting God, while at the same time taking advantage of the skills and knowledge of the medical personnel of this age.
May the Lord bless you is my prayer!
Elder Chris McCool, Pastor
HEALING
by Elder Buddy Abernathy
“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:” (Jas 5:14 KJV)
I believe this verse encapsulates the principle of combining medical treatment with prayer. Due to all of our advanced medical technology, it is easy to give less regard to the importance of prayer. We should express thanks to the Lord for all the progress made in medicine and utilize it when needed. But we should also “call for the elders of the church” in times of sickness.
There are a few religious groups who refuse at least some forms of medical treatment while proclaiming that their faith in God will bring healing. If healing doesn’t occur, they may say, “It just wasn’t God’s will for them to be healed.” There are yet others who simply say, “You will die when it’s your time to go.”
The verse in James settles the matter. James instructs the sick to call upon the elders (pastors/preachers) of the church for the purpose of praying over them. While we should all pray for the sick, there is a special blessing when we respect the specific instructions of God’s word. Notice that the elders are to “pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord”.
Jesus described the compassion of the “Good Samaritan” by saying he, “went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. (Luk 10:34 KJV). In biblical times, oil was used as a healing agent and wine could be used as an antiseptic.
Even Jesus acknowledged that the sick need a physician, “And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick.” (Luk 5:31 KJV) Although Jesus is speaking in regard to sin, he acknowledges the need for physicians.
How thankful we ought to be for all our medical technology and dedicated health care providers. The next time you’re at the hospital, let them know you appreciate their dedication and hard work. When you’re sick, take advantage of this valuable reource but don’t forget to “call for the elders of the church.”
Some day the Great Physician will return and resurrect the dead. The children of God will then occupy an incorruptible spiritual body (1 Cor. 15:42-44) and enjoy perfect health forever.