The Lodestar

“Is anyone among you sick? 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. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven” (James 5:14—15).

How do we react when someone in our Christian fellowship falls ill? We send flowers, get-well cards, or text messages wishing them a fast recovery. If we have time and visits are allowed, we may drop in to cheer that person or pray. One can expect this from the ideal community where close ties exist, but we are islands floating in large congregations, just clusters of people. When ill, we are left to ourselves.

Sickness is a time of biting loneliness for the victim. A psalmist who was sick, scorned by his enemies and abandoned by his family and friends portrays himself as a potsherd thrown away from the kitchen to the trash dump.

"I am scorned by all my enemies and despised by my neighbours—even my friends are afraid to come near me. When they see me on the street, they run the other way. I am ignored as if I were dead, as if I were a broken pot" (Psa 31:11—12, NLT).

James encourages the ideal community, people redeemed to be the body of Christ, to have a radically different attitude. The community does not abandon the person but comes together to support and pray for the sufferer.

The sick person must call the church elders to pray for him. This verse contains two commands: "Let him call" and "Let them pray." The sick person should be humble enough to request his spiritual leaders to pray for him. The church elders should pray together in the sick person's presence.

Illness is not simply a medical issue to be left in the hands of doctors and hospitals. It is a time for the Christian community to step forward and actively participate in healing. Health providers may facilitate healing, but it is the collective prayers and support of the community that truly make a difference. This is a time for personal and corporate sanctification, for the sick person and the church community to seek forgiveness for their sins. It is also a time when we can fully realize the spiritual potential of a believing community.

Being part of such a community means celebrating the life of the world that is yet to come right here. Building communities where everyone lives for each other is integral to Jesus' blueprint for the church.

Let us consciously try to break through the isolation that sickness often brings. Whether through a visit, a phone call, or a heartfelt prayer, let the sick know they are not alone. Our presence can be a powerful reminder of God's love.