21 DAYS TO HEALING – Day 13: Healing through the Anointing with Oil
Day Thirteen: Healing Through the Anointing with Oil
Scripture Reading: James 5:14-15
“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. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up.”
Devotional Thought:
Throughout the Bible, anointing with oil is a powerful symbol of God’s healing and consecration. The practice of anointing the sick with oil and praying over them is not just a ritual—it is a biblical act of faith that invites God’s supernatural power into our lives.
The oil itself does not contain healing power; rather, it is a physical act that represents the power of the Holy Spirit at work. It is a tangible way to express our faith and obedience to God’s Word. James 5:14-15 makes it clear that when we anoint the sick with oil and pray the prayer of faith, God promises to raise them up!
We see this practice throughout Scripture:
• The disciples anointed the sick with oil, and they were healed (Mark 6:13).
• The Holy Spirit is symbolized by oil, bringing healing, empowerment, and restoration (Luke 4:18).
• David was anointed with oil when he was chosen by God, symbolizing His power and presence (1 Samuel 16:13).
GREEK LESSON
The Greek word for elders in this verse is πρεσβύτερος (presbyteros), which is transliterated as presbyteros.
Meaning of “Presbyteros”
1. Literal Meaning: The word presbyteros generally means “older” or “senior” in age.
2. Ecclesiastical Meaning: In the context of the New Testament church, presbyteros refers to a recognized spiritual leader, often translated as pastor, elder, overseer, or presbyter. These individuals were responsible for shepherding and guiding the local congregations in doctrine, discipline, and care.
Context in James 5:14
In the early Christian church, elders (presbyteroi) were appointed leaders who provided spiritual oversight, teaching, and pastoral care. They were responsible for:
• Praying for the sick (as in this verse).
• Providing spiritual leadership (Titus 1:5-9).
• Guarding doctrinal purity (Acts 20:28).
• Anointing with oil, symbolizing the power of the Holy Spirit and divine healing.
James instructs that when a believer is sick, they should seek the elders of the church, not just for medical treatment but for spiritual intervention and divine healing through prayer. This aligns with the biblical understanding that sickness can have spiritual, emotional, and physical aspects, requiring faith-filled prayer and anointing in Jesus’ name.
If you are believing for healing, consider following James 5:14—call on a pastor, elder, or trusted mature believer to anoint you with oil and pray in faith. If you have a loved one in need, ask them if you can anoint them with oil and declare healing over them in Jesus’ name. Healing is a covenant promise!
Testimony:
A woman named Rebecca had been struggling with migraines for years. She had tried medications, lifestyle changes, and every natural remedy she could find, but nothing worked. The headaches were so severe that they often left her bedridden.
One Sunday, she heard her pastor teaching on James 5:14-15, and she felt a deep conviction in her spirit to obey this Scripture. That day, she went to the front of the church and asked the elders to anoint her with oil and pray in faith. As they laid hands on her, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace wash over her.
At first, there was no immediate change. But she held onto her faith, believing that God was working in her body. Over the next few days, she noticed something incredible—her migraines became less frequent and less severe. Within a month, they were completely gone!
Now, Rebecca carries a small bottle of anointing oil with her, and whenever someone in her family or church needs healing, she offers to anoint them and pray. She tells people, “I used to think anointing with oil was just symbolic, but it’s real—it’s biblical, and it works!”
Powerful Life-Changing Prayer:
Father God, I thank You for the power of Your Word and the promise of healing through anointing with oil. Your Word declares in James 5:14-15 that when we anoint the sick and pray the prayer of faith, You will raise them up. I believe in Your Word, and I stand on this promise today.
Lord, I bring my sickness, my pain, and my burdens before You. As I am anointed with oil, I receive Your healing touch. I declare that the power of the Holy Spirit is at work in me, restoring my body and renewing my strength.
Holy Spirit, just as oil represents Your presence, let Your anointing flow through my body, breaking every yoke of sickness and disease. I rebuke pain, affliction, and every attack of the enemy against my health. I receive my healing now, in the name of Jesus!
Father, help me to walk in faith, knowing that Your healing is working in me. Thank You for the power of prayer, for the anointing of the Holy Spirit, and for the finished work of Jesus Christ. I declare that I am healed, whole, and set free! In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen!
Action Step:
If you need healing, find a trusted, mature in the faith believer, pastor, or elder to anoint you with oil and pray in faith over you.
Encouragement:
Please take time to email Pastor Tim with your testimonies at drlamb@me.com. Your story of healing could encourage others in their journey of faith!