The first lesson of this passage is that we need help. Most of the time, we don’t realize how often we need it. If we would ask for it and get it, we would be much better off. The fact that we need help is at the core of the gospel. We need a Savior because we cannot save ourselves. It is not past tense (needed) but present (need). We need a Savior everyday. This is one of the biggest lessons in this text, and it really is more assumed than spelled out. What good is help if we don’t ask for it or accept it? How can we be healed if we don’t realize that we are sick or in need?

What sort of things do we need help with? The first thing mentioned in verse 13 is trouble. Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. There are all sorts of trouble that we encounter. Some of our troubles are our own doing. Some are not. Some are physical or economic. Some are emotional or spiritual. For whatever our troubles, we are told to pray. We are to pray with and for each other. We are told to comfort one another with the comfort we have received. We are to bear each other’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ. God placed us together so we can minister to one another. God ministers to us through us.

V 13: Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. That does not sound like a problem that we need help with. Yet, it fits in this passage. Has God blessed you? Don’t keep it to yourself—sing about it. And this is not just talking about singing in the shower. Sing with folks. Tell of the blessings of God so all can be blessed as well.

V 14: Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.

This verse is a model of what to do when you need help with sickness. Jesus died so our sins would be forgiven. In Isaiah 53 it says that by the beatings he took we are healed. Sin, sickness and death are all connected. Jesus came to defeat all three. We should call on the Lord to heal all our diseases. We should not wait to pray as if we can handle the little things and we only want to trouble God for the big ones. Bring all your concerns to the Lord.

This passage talks about anointing with oil. In the Bible there are two distinct reasons for putting oil on the body. One is ceremonial—the anointing of prophets, priests and kings for office. Jesus is our prophet, Priest and King. All of those offices that required anointing were wrapped up and fulfilled in Jesus Christ the Messiah (both Christ and Messiah mean Anointed One). The second reason for putting oil on someone is medicinal—to make a person feel better (like a salve or perfume). In this passage I think the use of oil is medicinal, not ceremonial.

When someone asks to have the elders come and anoint him or her with oil and pray the prayer of faith, I explain the different uses of oil on the body. I explain that the oil is not magical, nor are the words of the prayers. But the Lord is powerful and there is healing and wholeness in the name of Jesus. Then I ask if they want us to come and anoint them with oil and pray. They usually respond, "The Bible says that I should do this and I want to do what the Bible says." That is a good enough reason for doing anything. When in doubt, do what the Bible says.

There is one thing that The Bible says that we often neglect. It is in verse 14. I want to make this point sweetly, but firmly. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church. We are slow to call because of our pride. We don’t want to appear that we need one another or the even the Lord. We act like asking is beneath us. We are proud and think that we are entitled to have the elders come and give us what we expect without our asking. Truth is, we are entitled to ministry, but no where does it say that elders can read our minds and expectations. The Bible tells us to call and ask.

There is another specific reason why it is important for the man who is sick to call for prayer. It is an act of faith. Sometimes we do not ask because our faith is weak. "What if God does not answer my prayer the way I asked? Maybe I should not ask rather than put God in an awkward position," we think. The blind man flagged Jesus down and Jesus asked him, "What do you want?" Jesus knew the man wanted to see, but it was important to have him ask Jesus for healing.

What sort of men does it take to give help? Elijah was a mighty prophet, but he was special because he was called by God to be a man of prayer. Dear Christian, you are a man or woman called by God to pray. God wants to work great things in you and through you. He wants to bless others through you. And he has given others to bless you. God has provided all the help we need if we but ask.