CALL FOR THE ELDERS

James 5:14-15 – 14 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: 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.


We have often discussed the above verse with a view toward determining whether it is talking about miraculous healing or simply the prayer for the sick that we still offer today. Sometimes we spend time talking about the oil and whether or not we should still anoint with oil today.

But there is a more important question – Why does it say to call for the elders? What concern do elders have about the physical well-being of the members?

The primary concern of the elders is the spiritual welfare of the members. The qualifications for elders are of a spiritual nature, they are not required to be doctors or nurses or physical therapists or dental hygienists. Furthermore, they are charged with the spiritual well-being of the flock (Acts 20:28-32). We are taught to submit ourselves to elders and obey them because they watch for our souls (Hebrews 13:17).

However, those who are truly concerned with the spiritual welfare of others will also be concerned for their physical health.

JOHN CARED ABOUT PHYSICAL HEALTH.
John was an apostle. As an apostle he obviously cared about the spiritual growth and health of all Christians. Yet notice his words to Gaius: 3 John 1-2 – 1 The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

SATAN ATTACKS US THROUGH OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH.
Our physical health often has a bearing on our spiritual health. Yes, they can be separated. The outward man can perish while the inward man is renewed day by day (2 Cor 4:16). But Satan often attacks us through our physical health.

Satan took away Job’s riches, his flocks and herds, etc. He even took away his children. But when God gave him permission to touch Job himself, Satan sent sickness (boils) upon him (Job 1-2).
 
Satan attacked Paul through physical health: 2 Corinthians 12:7 – And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.

In the case of Job and in the case of Paul, Satan was unsuccessful in his attack, but Satan is not stupid. We have to believe he uses this methodology because it can be and is sometimes effective.

ELDERS ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE PHYSICAL HEALTH OF THE MEMBERS.
Elders are concerned about physical health because they are watching for souls. Elders know and understand that physical sickness or injury can be discouraging. Elders know that physical problems can lead to spiritual problems. They also know that physical problems can bring us closer to God and cause us to rely more heavily on his strength (2 Cor 12:9-10).

And so elders are concerned when members are ill. Though they cannot always be present at every surgery or every hospitalization, they want to uplift sick and hurting members so that physical problems do not become spiritual problems. Members who are discouraged need to learn to do as this verse commands and call for the elders. Often elders are left guessing as to when a visit would be helpful and when it would be intrusive. The answer? Let the members learn to CALL FOR THE ELDERS.
Rusty

Family Bulletin Board

Remember in prayer and with cards, phone calls, or visits those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green, Lola Mae Hamlett, Louise Hunt, and Edith Lechenet.

COMING EVENTS:
PIG ROAST - September 6th , at Tom & Danielle‘s home. A sigh-up sheet has been posted in the foyer.
GOSPEL MEETING - September 7th - 10th , with Gary Colley. The theme this year is “What the Gospel Holds for Modern Man”. Invitations are in the foyer. Please try to bring someone.

OUR SYMPATHY is extended to Saundra Morgan and Maggie Purvis in the death of Charles Wright, step-father and brother.

PRAYER REQUESTS:
Larry Herren’s father has once again been admitted to the hospital in Florida.
Mildred Pierce has had recent tests and awaits the doctor’s recommendations.
Audrey Reed has pneumonia.

NEW ADDRESS:
Eloise Deaton Phone: 461-3557
6207 Aubill Street
Eau Claire, MI 49111