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What we have considered would show us that the practice of praying for those that are sick with a view to their being healed has scriptural support. The anointing with oil would correspond in a way to the baptising with water and the Holy Spirit. As to water baptism that was done in the name of the Lord (Acts 10:48). His name was called upon (Acts 22:16). He is to witness the act of baptism as here the Lord is to witness the act of anointing. There is to be no uncertainty as to what is wanted. We are to ensure that the Lord knows that when we pray over a sick person we are serious and not just reciting empty prayers. As with baptism the anointing was to be done by another and not by the sick person who, in any case, might not have the strength to do it.

What we learn from this, among other things, is that:-

(1) At the beginning of the assembly's history there were cases of Christians being healed. The emphasis however moved from the public demonstrations of power that often characterised the miracles of Christ and his apostles to more private activities. The prayer of faith is stressed (James 5:15).

(2) It is possible for similar healings to occur today but the state of the assembly and individuals must be allowed for. It is no good expecting healing if we are not walking in a way pleasing to the Lord. If healings do take place we should not be boasting about them but be thankful to the Lord who has shown his power to heal (Acts 4:30). Often, Christ did not want his works of power noised abroad, especially when he was staying in the vicinity (Mark 1:40- 45). It was a different matter when he was just about to leave a district (Mark 5:18-21).

(3) The Lord does not expect us to ask him to do things for us that we can do ourselves. If we can treat our ailments by the use of simple remedies we should do so, just as we would satisfy our hunger or thirst by making use of what is to hand. However, we may have to look specifically to the Lord if food, drink and medicinal remedies are not available to us because of famine or whatever (Genesis 21:14-21; 1 Kings 19:4-9).

We would have to consider each case on its merits. If the time has come that a Christian should depart this life it would not be right to press the Lord to raise that person up. Elisha died of sickness. There was no question of him being raised up again to continue his ministry (2 Kings 13:14-21). Paul knew when his time had come to depart this life and he did not seek to have his time here extended (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

July 2000

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