Reading: James 5:13-20
Speaker: Paul McCabe
Thoughts on Wise Living
Are you in trouble? James says you should pray. Are you cheerful? James says to sing songs of praise! Are you sick? Then “call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
Is it really that simple? Not for me. And I bet it isn’t for you, either.
Back in Colorado, I had regular Bible studies with one of my church elders. His name was Jeff. The son of missionaries, raised in Vietnam, Jeff had been at this Christian business for quite some time. Certainly longer than me, and maybe longer than you.
When Jeff prayed, he would petition the Lord. He would talk to God about wants, needs, and praises. He would end with little reminders, like: “Lord, you are mighty. You can do this!” I needed those reminders. I still need them.
James has been a joy to write on. His overlooked epistle has come alive to me as I heard it preached and as I meditated on it’s meaning. In his last lines, James warns the rich not to abuse others and tells us to wait patiently for Christ. The theme of waiting aligns well with prayer. Like Jeff, I can say aloud that the Lord is mighty and can do all things, but I often want those things done pronto.
I want world peace. I want mass conversion. I want my wife and children saved. I want God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done, on earth as it is in heaven. But didn’t Jesus say the kingdom is already in our midst? Did He not teach that our faith is both “already” and “not yet”?
It is mentally settled for me that Jesus “already” reigns. He hears prayer and responds in power. But the “not yet” part gives me pause. I see the wrongs in this world and my own sinful portion and I start to doubt the power of petition; the offer of healing; even the chance to bring back those who wander from the faith (James 5:19-20).
What is James’ remedy? Well, as I sit here writing, Kate is taking her UK driver’s test. She has been driving for 20 years, having first got behind the wheel as a teenager in America. But now she is settled in England and sitting her UK test. Will she pass or fail? Little old me knows not. So what would James have me do as I wait, nervous on Kate’s behalf. He would have me translate mental assent into heavenly petition.
James would have me pray in faith. He would have me emulate the steadfastness of Job, remembering “the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful” (James 5:11). But what if Kate fails? No matter. True faith remembers the Lord’s higher plan and ultimate goodness. So I will be like Jeff, reminding myself and others that the Lord is mighty, He can do all things!
[Spoiler alert: Kate failed her test. God knew today was not the day. His ways are higher than our ways. Prayers would still be appreciated for attempt no. 2]