James 5:14 KJV
[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:”
It is a blessing to have a church family. I don’t know how a saved person can make it without being part of a local New Testament Church. I know many would criticize that statement, but it is the truth. I joined the church immediately after being saved and baptized, and the Lord has given me the desire to be a part of the church ever since. Some will say, “You don’t have to be a member of a church to be saved.” That is a true statement, but a saved person will have the desire to be part of a local church.
One reason a church family is important is that there may come a time when you get sick. During that time, it is always good to be connected closely to those who will pray for you. James places emphasis on the elders of the church in this verse. The sick are to call for them to pray over them and anoint them with oil. Thank the Lord for spiritual men in the church who can get a prayer through for others. They are men who walk with God and have proven to be good examples in the church.
We need more men like this in our churches, not only to pray over the sick but also to help strengthen the church in other areas. We must pray for pastors and church leaders today. The devil does all he can to try to discourage and divide them. He knows if he can dismantle the leadership, he can scatter the saints. I encourage you to look around your church and pick out faithful men who help serve the man of God and the membership every week. Pray for those men and encourage them this week. Lift up their hands because there could come a day when you call for those hands to be laid upon you in prayer as you are sick. Thank God for the elders in the church.