There is so much to talk about today. I’d like to reference Matt Wilson’s post from Sunday for a few reasons. If you have not read it, please stop now and go read it. It’s a beautiful remembrance of a beloved family member. Now imagine if he and his family were commanded not to show any sign of sorrow at her passing. It seems that is just what God asked of Ezekiel at the passing of his wife (Ezekiel 24:15-18). It’s a strange object lesson, but no stranger than some of the others God passed along through his prophets over the years.
In addition, since Matt did not cover James 3 that day I’d like to do so now. It is a powerful passage and one of my favorite. Simple, and yet extremely difficult. James is one of my favorite letters because of its simple practicality for everyday Christian living. Paul sometimes puts my mind in a twist, but James gets right to the everyday issues that I face as a Christian. James starts out by admonishing those of us in leadership (specifically teachers) to be extra careful especially in what we say (or write on a blog I suppose). The ability to keep my tongue in check is a skill I have not yet mastered and James sheds some light on just why that is. If I can control my tongue, I stand a good chance of keeping my whole body in check. Already this week in a single day I have had the opportunity to speak out harshly on two different occasions. Thankfully, in both cases I refrained from speaking immediately. In one case, others were able to say with grace and tact what I would have said with anger and spite. In another instance, I was able to think through my words with prayer and deliver a measured response. Now that I’ve used up my quota of patience and control for the week I would advise everyone to steer clear or you may receive a tongue lashing.
Finally, I’d like to consider James 5. James starts out by slamming the rich that will be put in their place because of their uncompassionate treatment of others. The words are a striking parallel to the condemnation of Tyre in Ezekiel 26. Go read it. If you are a fan of fantasy fiction like I am, it will remind you of many of the battle sequences throughout the genre (such as the Battle of Palennor Fields in Tolkien’s The Return of the King). God is very detailed in what he’s about to do to them. Our treatment of those who are suffering and downtrodden is extremely important to God apparently. Who would have thunk it?!? James continues by encouraging the Christians to patience in their sufferings.
Then we come to a passage that has long stumped me in trying to discern its meaning. I like to take the words of the Bible at face value, and yet there seems to be something missing in my understanding here. What does James mean when he writes:
Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
I have heard different interpretations across the entire spectrum, but nothing seems to fully explain what will actually happen when I faithfully pray over someone (being the righteous person that I am). The tie in between physical and spiritual health is reminiscent of Jesus’ own words when the lame man was lowered through the roof and Jesus forgave him then healed him. Whatever the case, there is the aspect of faith when praying, confession of sins to each other, and praying for each other. Maybe I don’t need to worry about the results and just practice the process more and leave the hard part up to God.
“Who is wise and understanding among you?” Not I.
