Most people have multiple options when it comes to health care. They can go to a doctor or hospital when they get sick and be treated by trained professionals who can prescribe medicines for their ailment. They can also go the homeopathic route and use natural remedies. I want to offer a third solution. The Bible tells you what to do when you are sick. James tells you to go to the Elders and have them anoint you in oil and pray for your illness.
James 5:14
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
Call the Elders
Back in Jesus’ day, there were limited options for healthcare. It was especially true for those who were poor. James encourages the people in the early church to seek out the Elders of the church and have them pray over them and anoint them with oil. God was doing miracles through the Apostles, and James wanted the people to consider God before they relied on anyone else. It’s not that James was against medicine. He just wanted the people to rely upon God. The same message applies to the church today.
Anoint with Oil
The Elders were to anoint the people with oil. Why did they do that? Oil was used in massages back then for medicinal purposes, but more likely, the oil was a symbol of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power on the person’s life. Many churches still use this method today when they pray over the sick. It would be best if you wanted the presence and power of the Spirit on you when you are suffering.
What to Do When You Get Sick
The next time you are suffering from an illness, ask the leadership in your church to anoint you with oil and pray over you. It doesn’t have to be the pastor. He doesn’t have any magical powers. The lay leaders in your church are just as capable of praying. When you do this, you might just see God do a miracle in your situation.