Men of like Passions

Good morning everyone. I am currently studying the books of the Kings and have been stuck by the life of Elijah. When I read of his exploits and the miracles God did through him I am brought to a place that he must have had super powers. Perhaps like a super hero in a the Marvel movies.

We read of his calling down fire from heaven, his stopping the rain from falling, his praying over a dead young man and he reviving, and many more.

Conversely, we read of Elijah being so afraid of Jezebel that he ran over 100 miles to hide in a cave and then pray for God to end his life.

But then I read in James 5;

James 5;

James 5:17–18 NASB95

17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 Then he prayed again, and the sky poured rain and the earth produced its fruit.

The Greek word used here for “a nature like” ours is hom-oy-op-ath-ace', ὁμοιοπαθής. The word is made of 2 Greek words homoios (same or like) and paschō (meaning passions).

In other words Elijah was just a man, just like you just like me.

The point of application for all of us is that there are no super stars in Gods Kingdom. Only servants He alone empowers to do His will.

So with that in mind as leaders and Pastors let us examine that first 4 verses in this section beginning at 5:13;

James 5:13–16 (NASB95)

13 Is anyone among you suffering? Then he must pray. Is anyone cheerful? He is to sing praises.

These are commands, imperatives, when things are tough (continually hard) we must continually pray. We thing are continually good, continually sing praises. Train your self to praise the Lord.

14 Is anyone among you sick? Then he must call for the elders of the church and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord;

The Greek verb here is continually sick then it is incumbent on him to call the elders of the Church to pray over him and anointing him with oil in Christs name.

The implication is that he is a member of a local Church Fellowship.

15 and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

Note the prayer of faith brings Healing (literally salvation) (both now and later)

16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective (energized) prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.

Therefore knowing we are righteous only through Jesus’ imparted righteousness to us, lets continue to pray, energized prayer that are continuing to accomplish much.