James 5
James 5:16The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.ObservationIn this last chapter of the epistle written by the brother of the Lord, James covers three issues.He begins the chapter by condemning the selfish rich who oppress the poor, hoard their wealth and exploit their workers. He warns them that their self-indulgent lifestyle is a recipe for ruin and judgment. James then encourages the believers to be patient and steadfast as they wait for the Lord’s coming; even in the face of suffering. He lifts up Job and the prophets of old as examples of those who have been blessed as they persevered. He cautions regarding grumbling against one another and invites the brothers to deal with each other in the simplicity of honesty and integrity. Finally, James gives exhortation and examples of how to operate in fervent and effectual prayer. He spotlights Elijah’s ministry of power and miracles as an example to follow; closing the chapter and book by pointing out the profit and blessing of turning a sinning brother or sister back to the faith.UnderstandingElijah was nothing specialAs I read the biblical accounts of those who performed great exploits and miraculous deeds, it’s easy to look at them as a select handful of people to whom God gave special wisdom, insight, courage and strength; supernatural gifts and empowerment that was only available to the elite - those few whom God culled out of the heard and anointed unto these mighty deeds. Yet James points out that Elijah, perhaps the boldest and most dynamic prophet of the Old Testament, and one who would surely qualify as one of the super-saints described above, was a mere human being. This prophet who challenged and defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel, who defied evil Ahab and Jezebel, and whose prayers held back the rain from the skies, was nothing special; no different than any one of us. His only qualification was that he was willing to say yes to the call of God on His life. He had no special ability other than availability. All of the righteousness that made every miracle, every healing, every display of God’s power possible - even resurrection from the dead! - was provided by God to a surrendered servant. It reiterates the tried and true statement that God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.Life ApplicationI can be as special as was ElijahThis truth is a double edged sword. On the one hand, it encourages me to know that, as I live a life that aligns me with the perfect will of God, I can position myself to be used by God in ways as miraculous as those chronicled in the pages of scripture. Yet, on the other hand, I am now without excuse; other than my own laziness, apathy and sin, for the reason why God’s power is not moving in and through me. Since I, like Elijah, qualify as a mere human being, I pray that I would believe, obey and act with the same faith he exercised that allowed God to bring such glory to His great Name.