Exegesis of James 5: 13-18 - Book Report/Review Example

Exegesis of James 5: 13-18 The fifth chapter of James in passages 13-16; a lesson is taught on effective prayer. It is important to mention that itwas James who was actually thought to be the blood brother of Jesus. James’ spiritual journey to belief was completed after the crucifixion of Christ. James is of course responsible for the book of James which is where this study begins. The breakdown of this analysis can be achieved by looking at the passages in question, one passage at a time. The first verse reads as follows: “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13, New King James Version, 1611). This particular verse is aimed at humanity as a whole. James is essentially telling his readers that there is really no situation or circumstance that negates the need for prayer. James is also reminding his readers that God is available in times of trouble and also in times of rejoicing. This is possibly intended to illustrates God’s omniscient and omnipotence. A textual translation of this particular exert in the book of James is much less complicated than many other passages which can be looked at on the subject of prayer. The face value of what is being said here is simply an emphasis on the obedient act of prayer with faith. This holds true two thousand years ago just as it holds true today. There is very little variance on the different translations of this particular exert. It is also centrifugal to this message to know that when James refers to the afflicted, he means anyone with financial worries, health issues or troubles in life; should proactively turn their issue at hand over to God so that He may intervene in their life. James continues on in verse 14 to qualify his previous statement, “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. (James 5:14). James also alludes to the fact that their are several aspects of prayer which enhance ones effective and personal communication with God. James goes on in verse 15 to expand on this concept, “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”(James 5:15). In this passage, James illustrates the effects of heartfelt and effective prayer. This whole passage is indicative of the magnitude of God and his power but on a level which communicates to the reader. James explains that faith is really the currency to spiritual entrance into the presence of God or rather his attention. The verse goes on to paint a picture of God as healer, this is such an important aspect of this scripture. It could have been mentioned that God would listen to prayer or act as a friend to the individual praying; but all of these things though altruistic, are not super human powers. God is painted as a deity capable of accomplishing what humans cannot. The second half of the verse explains that God is also able to forgive sins and wrongdoings of man. This is also not necessarily a human characteristic as God’s ability to forgive sin essentially serves to nullify the sin or make it no longer valid. Humans are certainly equipped with the ability to exhibit compassion or even a marginal version of forgiveness; but it is God who is capable of erasing sin and removing it from the repentant sinner for eternity. Verse 16 of the fifth book of James reinforces the ideology expressed in the verses prior to it, “Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much”(James 15: 16). James has already explained the nature of God in reference to responding to prayers from his faithful followers. James goes on to reiterate the obligation of the people of God. It is detailed that not only should we pray for ourselves but also one for another. Furthermore, James sets apart an individual who is righteous “the effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availed much”. James is pointing out that prayer is not a menial task or one to be taken lightly. The terms ‘fervent’ and ‘effectual’ are used to demonstrate a consistent and passionate action which promises to effectively gain the approval and active response of God himself. James means to show the omniscient and omnipresent nature of God but he also means to place a reciprocal power in the hands of the people of God. These few passages in James’s fifth book are really only a few words which clearly communicate a lot of information at once. James is able to not only express the nature of God relating to prayer but also the nature of the power which God places in the hands of man, through prayer. This is such an important part of the New Testament as it repaints a new relationship between God and man which differs from all the we know of the Old Testament. As per the Old Testament, God and man were separated by the barrier of sin which had to be reconciled through the act of sacrifice. A burnt offering was necessary for the man of God to be acquitted of his past sins. This was the concrete law between God and man throughout the texts of the Old Testament. The New Testament however, ushers in a change and that change is the birth and death of Christ, the son of God. As Christ gave himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of man, he become the embodiment of the law and the end to old law while becoming a beginning to the new law. This new law gave new responsibility to those who claimed to know and love God. The requirement become simply an acknowledgement and acceptance of Christ as the Messiah followed by a two part and active relationship with God on the part of man. James takes the pretence of the new law and explains simply the fundamentals of what a relationship with God entails in terms of asking things of God through prayer. James 5:17 goes on to employ example to the idea of earnest and fervent prayer, “Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months”. James utilizes the example of Elias’ passionate prayers which were exceedingly productive in favor of Elias’ expressed need to God. James uses this particular example because Elias waited three and a half years for rain. This is almost the equivalence of the time required now a days to earn a bachelor’s degree. This is certainly a far cry from waiting a mere couple of days or even weeks for rain in a time of drought. Elias was able to show God his devotion and faith by continuing to pray and come before God with an earnest and steadfast heart as well as with persevering faith. It is The last verse in this exert which will be discussed in this paper is verse 18 of the fifth book of James. In this verse, James finalizes the example by providing us with information which confirms successful prayer. After the period of three years and 6 months, God delivered rain as per Elias’ consistent requests. The picture delivered by this message is truly the moral of the saying ‘prayer is the key to heaven but faith unlocks the door’(unknown). The following is the last verse which is to be focused on in this discussion, “And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.”(James 5:18). The eighteenth verse of book 5 in James, provides a conclusion to his overall message in this text. James takes us from an admonition of the importance of prayer to a direct example of not only the type of faith which is required but of the results which follow. This exert from the fifth book of James is truly meant to inspire the people of God such that they know what it is to pray, why one should pray as well as how (with steadfast faith) and finally, the results of meaningful prayer. In approaching the passages which have thus far been discussed from the fifth book of James, from a more analytical approach; we can find a more descriptive analysis on the true meaning behind James’ writings. One may read the analysis provided here, thus far and still wonder why prayer is so important, especially since an all knowing and all powerful God would know our every need or desire, “Jesus said ‘your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him‘ (Matthew 6:8)”(Kilpatrick, 2006). The reason why prayer is essential is simply put, due to an obligation on the part of man to act in obedient faith to God. God has essentially commanded throughout the Bible, that his people act in obedience to his word by praying. Just as with a healthy relationship between any one person and another; communication is the distance between two people. By communicating with those who we hold dear to us, we foster and nurture relationships. This is no different when considering the relationship between man and God. When looking at Christianity as not only a religion but a guideline for how to live one’s life, one is expected to live according to the example set forth by Jesus himself. Even though Jesus was the son of God or depending on interpretation, God incarnate. Jesus however, came to not only create a new law as mentioned earlier but also to set an example for man to live by. Even though He was part of the Holy Trinity and essentially God incarnate, He actively prayed to God the Father, “Jesus, who according to John Chapter 1 is God, prayed to God, his Father. In Mark 14:32-42, we find our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane agonizing over the torture and death he was soon to face. We find him praying "Abba, Father"(Kilpatrick, 2006). This particular example in the book of Mark illustrates how even Christ himself made prayer and the accompanying faith required, a fundamental must. Christ of course, had the legions of heaven at his beckon call and could have easily moved mountains at his very command, but yet still brought his fear and concerns to the feet of God. This passage simply reiterates the very foundation of James’ message in book 5. To further exemplify the importance of this passage, one need only skim over James’ discussion of prayer in Book 5 to see that the word ‘prayer’ is used in every single verse. Certainly, we have discussed how the entirety of this message revolves around the issue of prayer but it cannot be emphasized enough that James was very concerned with driving home the message of the intent or nature of one’s prayers. On one level, we can assume that God knows what our needs and desires are before we ever bring those issues to the throne room of heaven but what he expects of us as obedient servants, is a heart full of faith and a willingness to illustrate our intent and our commitment to his commandments; through the act of prayer, “He picks two situations at opposite ends of the circumstantial and emotional spectrum. One is “suffering” (kakopatheo) which means to experience circumstantial hardship (PAUL IMPRISONED AS A CRIMINAL). Instead of lapsing into self-pity or resentment at others, we should pray to God for the strength to endure and the wisdom to learn what God wants to teach us. The other is “cheerful” (euthumeo) which means to feel happy because you have good fortune. Instead of just reveling in our happiness or good circumstances, we should thank and praise God for this expression of his goodness. In these extremities, and in everything in between, our first reaction should be to turn to God”(Xenos, 2008). The take home message found on multiple levels within the passages of James which have been discussed here is ultimately intent. God does not expect us to do anything beyond present our concerns, gratitude and requests to him personally. This is a major part of the relationship between God and man. God is essentially speaking to his people through the book of James, in order to give them the secret to true communication with him which is synonymous in some ways with the core of the relationship between man and God. Works Cited: The Holy Bible, The New King James Version, 1611 ---------------------, 2008, “James 5”, Trinity Study Center, retrieved December 17, 2008 from website at: http://www.trinitystudycenter.com/james/james_5- 16-20.php Kilpatrick, J.P., 2006, “Prayer”, retrieved from website December 17, 2008 at: http://home.hiwaay.net/~jpkilpat/prayer.htm Krejcir Ph.D., Richard.,2007, “The Power of Prayer”, Into The Word Ministries, retrieved December 17, 2008 from website at: http://70030.netministry.com/articles_view.asp?articleid=33646&columnid=3803 Weaver, Jeremy., 2006, “God’s Prescription for Devine healing”, retrieved December 17, 2008 from website at: http://doxoblogy.com/2006/11/20/gods-prescription-for-divine-healing-j ames-513-18/ Xenos Christian Fellowship, 2008, “Three Keys to Effective Prayer”, retrieved from website December 17, 2008 at: http://www.xenos.org/teachings/nt/james/gary/james5-2.htm Read More