My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring them back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the way of error will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. (James 5:19-20)

I am assuming that this passage refers to believers and therefore “saving him from death” means premature physical death, which would be a result of his sin, and not the “second death” referred to in Revelation 21:8.

“Wandering from the truth” may apply to our beliefs or our behaviour. There is such a concept as “absolute truth”, as “right or wrong”. The world does not accept this fact. “Surveys in America indicate that two-thirds of American adults believe that there is no such thing as absolute truth. (This percentage is 74 percent among people 18-25 years old) and it does not matter which god or higher power is addressed when one prays.” (George Stulac)

Note the care that church leaders (not just ordained priests/pastors) should have for the members of their flock. This reminds us of the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, lays down His life for the sheep and who must bring other sheep that are not of this sheep pen (see John 10:14-16).

“Remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (v. 20). When the sinner truly repents, God in His love “covers over a multitude of sins”. This refers primarily to God’s forgiveness. “You forgave the iniquity of your people and covered all their sins.” (Psalm 85:2).

We, who are sinners, must remember the words of Peter when we are counselling the wanderer: “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8).

It is a great privilege both to restore and to be restored – to know that the Lord has “covered over”, “blotted out”, “remembered no more”, and “swept away” our sins, to mention just a few of God’s gracious acts.

Praise the Lord who, in His mercy, “covers over a multitude of sins”.

Praise the Lord who has restored us so many times
when we wandered away from Him.

This is the last of the meditations extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make them well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:13-18)

God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. The following are some of His ways concerning physical healing:

1. Visitation Healing
   God, or an angel, appears to persons in a vision or a dream and they are instantly healed. No human channel is involved in such a manifestation of God’s love and mercy.
2. Instant Healing (see Luke 9:1-6 – to preach and to heal)
   Normally this takes place through the ministry of persons who are “workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing” (1 Corinthians 12:28). During individual ministries, small group ministries (see James 5:14-15), church services, healing campaigns, revival meetings and on many other occasions, God graciously uses human channels to perform miraculous healings in the name of Jesus Christ. Such healings take place instantly or within a short period. Perhaps there would be more such miracles if we had more faith! On much rarer occasions we learn of instances of persons being raised from the dead.
3. Gradual Healing
   For the Christians this means medical science and the prayer of faith. We believe that God uses medical staff and medicines to cure sickness. The knowledge and skills that these persons display are gifts from God which He bestows on men and women regardless of their faith. However, as Christians, we put our trust in God and so we pray, both earnestly and with faith, that God will use the medical profession for the healing of the sick and injured.
4. Death
   How can we call death part of God’s healing? A person dies of cancer – who is the victor and who is the defeated? God has conquered the disease and the Christian is taken to be with Christ where: “God will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:4).

Only then will we be fully healed!

“I do believe; Help me overcome my unbelief!” (Mark 5:24)

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make them well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:13-18)

All sickness is due to sin. After the disobedience of Adam and Eve (see Genesis chapter 3) sin, sickness, disease, disability and death entered the world which, in one sense, is now “under the control of the evil one.” (1 John 5:19).

This does not mean that all sickness is due to personal sin. In some cases, this is obviously true. Jesus told the man that was healed at the pool of Bethesda: “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” (John 5:14). Unforgiveness and addiction are currently common causes of physical illness. When counselling the sick we must be prayerful before we tell them that their condition is due to personal sin.

The disciples were told that neither the blind man nor his parents sinned but: “this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” (see John 9:1-12).

God heals the sick. When healing does not take place immediately, it may be due to the unconfessed sin of the patient or the lack of faith of all concerned – patient, family and friends, local church. However God may allow the sickness to remain and still bring glory to His name. Sometimes families that have been torn apart are united, and possibly converted, when one member becomes seriously ill. Since the recurrence of Betty’s cancer, the many people who have prayed, visited or provided gifts have done so to the glory of God. Likewise our friend, who has fought and won two battles with cancer is now making countless visits to comfort cancer sufferers.

Sometimes, especially during sickness, it is difficult to believe the words of Romans 8:28 – but still they are true! “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Thank You, Lord, that in all things You work for our good.

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make them well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. (James 5:13-18)

For the next three days we will look briefly at the very important, but also very difficult, subject of physical sickness and healing.

Why does God heal? We must consider this question, not with reference to our faith but with reference to God’s sovereignty and action. There are two conflicting views in the universal Church and this can be seen in the teaching on healing that is given in our churches.

The question centres around the Atonement. Jesus Christ died so that we might be forgiven. Can we equate physical healing with forgiveness in the atonement? Here are the opinions of two well known Bible teachers.

1. Physical healing is included in the cross

   “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases” (Isaiah 53:4 and Matthew 8:16-17)

   “It is often said that this verse teaches that the atoning death of Jesus Christ avails for our sickness as well as our sins; or in other words that “physical healing is in the atonement.” I think this is a fair inference from these verses when looked at in the context.” R.A. Torrey
   

2. Physical healing is an uncovenanted mercy

   “We recognize that there is a distinction between what God has covenanted to do and what He has not covenanted to do, between what God has promised to do and what God may do.

   The new covenant does not promise healing for all now. It promises forgiveness of sins: “This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matthew 26:28).
   
   If God heals, it is an uncovenanted mercy. But when He forgives, it is a covenanted mercy.” John Wimber

God heals. May we know why He heals so that we can take part in the ministry of healing in a way that honours Him.

O Lord, we want to honour You when we minister to the sick.

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned. (James 5:7-12)

James takes the example of the prophets and of Job as those who were patient and persevered under suffering. We would do well to consider the thousands of Christians who are being persecuted throughout the world, especially in Africa and Asia. The list of sufferings which they may be having to endure is ever increasing. For some it is insults, threats, false accusations or destruction of property. For others it may be demotion, job loss, ostracism by family and friends or personal injury. Added to the list is forced marriage, kidnapping, imprisonment and torture. When ordered to deny Christ under threat of death, it is not easy to “let your ‘Yes’ be yes and your ‘No’ no.” (5:12a). The list ends with death (resulting in bereavement and probable poverty for the family).

Often those who are persecuted are in such a dangerous situation that they have to leave their country and join the increasing number of refugees. Thus they are following the example of Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus who fled to Egypt – Matthew 2:13-15.

Are we both individually and in our local churches praying for persecuted Christians by name and giving towards their support? Two relevant websites are given below.

Jesus tells us, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44). These persecutors may be governments, government servants, religious leaders, employers, workmates, friends, neighbours or even family members. We must ask God earnestly to meet them as He met Saul on the road to Damascus (see Acts 9:1-19) or to speak to them through dreams, signs and wonders, audio/visuals or through human messengers. Let us also advocate for the repealing of all laws which prohibit freedom of religion.

May all those who suffer “be patient until the Lord’s coming” (v. 7a) and may they experience that “the Lord is full of compassion and mercy.” (v. 11b).

The Persecuted Church
www.opendoors.org, www.barnabasfund.org

May we be made more aware of and become more involved
with those who are suffering for the name of Jesus Christ.

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you. (James 5:1-6)

For those who are rich this message comes as a serious warning. They may be “hoarding wealth” (v. 3) and “living on earth in luxury and self-indulgence” (v. 5). They may be mistreating the workmen and harvesters. “The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty.” (v. 4b).

Are these not strong words of condemnation to those who are rich oppressors? And are they not relevant today? A recent report in the press informs us “Around 200 Bangladeshi workers cheated by their agents had been forced to live in desperate conditions near the Bangladeshi High Commission in Jalan Ampang here. Many were in such dire straits that they lived under a flyover for months.” A clear example, and only one of many, of the rich oppressing the poor. Shame on us in Malaysia!

“Today 850 million people are hungry and malnourished. Over half of them are children. 18,000 children die every single day because of hunger and malnutrition. 3 billion people in the world today struggle to survive on US$2 a day.”

Do we, like the Lord Almighty, hear the cries of the poor? How many members of our Anglican Diocese are ministering full time among the poor overseas? In our local churches are we challenging people in our congregation to hear God’s call to such countries as Bangladesh or Sudan? Do we pray for the poor in particular countries and for mission partners who are serving the poor? How much money as a family and as a local church do we give towards serving the poor? Do we reserve such giving for the occasional Disaster Funds? Are we advocating for the poor in Malaysia, especially for migrant workers?

The time has come for greater action by the church and the websites of four organizations are given below. May we neither oppress the poor nor fail to hear their cries.

Relief work
www.worldvision.com.my, www.tearfund.org

Overseas missions
www.omf.org.my, www.interserve.org

Help us, O Lord, to be mindful of the needs of others
and to do something about it.

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

So then, if you know the good you ought to do and don’t do it, you sin. (James 4:17)

James moves on from the sin of boasting to the sin of omission – failing to do good. Normally we think of sin as the wrong things we do – sins of commission. We pay less attention to our failure to do what we know to be good. This also is sin.

“I know I should have good thoughts about her – but I dislike her so much!” “I know that I should have kept silent – but the words just slipped out of my mouth!” “I know that I should read my bible regularly and pray for certain people – but I only do this occasionally!” “I know that I should have visited my friend in hospital – but I could not make the time!” “I know that I should have sent her an sms on her birthday – but I forgot!” “I know that I should be preparing the Sunday School lesson – but I prefer to watch TV!” “I know I should be on time for the Sunday service – but so often I am late!” “I know I should go to bed at a certain time – but I have so many things to do!” And so the list goes on and on.

The whole question boils down to the Lordship of Christ in our lives. As we grow in our walk with the Lord we become more sensitive as to what He wants us to think, speak and do. However there is still so much self in our lives that, even when we know the Lord’s will in a particular situation, we are so absorbed in our own situation that, consciously or unconsciously, we fail to obey Him. We prefer to follow the example of Frank Sinatra who always wanted to do things “my way”. And this is sin.

May we be willing to know and to do what is good.

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil.  (James 4:13-16)

“See you tomorrow DV” – Deus Volens being the Latin words for “God willing”.

This passage does not mean that we should not make plans for the future. But it reminds us of the fact that our life here on earth is 100% dependent upon God.

In our churches we have much teaching on healing but very little teaching on death. Here James says that we are “a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (v. 14) Job reminds us “naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1:21). Paul tells us, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7).

When one reaches the eighties, unlike those in mid-life, it is easier to realize that our earthly days may soon be over. Betty and I have bought property in Subang Jaya. When we tell our friends, they wonder how we have the money for such a purchase and they also ask us when we are moving in. We are unable to answer this question because our property is a burial plot!

Whatever our age may be, we cannot say with certainty what the future holds for us in this life. If we say with absolute confidence “I am going on a business trip to China next month”, we are in fact boasting and that is evil. We will only go to China next month if God is willing for us to do so. If in the meantime God decides that our life on earth should be over, this will be sad for our family and friends. But for us it will be “far better”. Better than any trip to China, for we will go to be with Christ!

“You are my God, my times are in your hands.” (see Psalm 31:14-15)

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor? (James 4:11-12)

We are commanded not to “slander” or “speak against” or “judge” our brother (or sister) who is also our neighbour. This means to “defame” or “denigrate” a person. Unfortunately most of us disobey this commandment many times each day. When we defame a person, whether what we say is true or false, it makes us a step above that person. We are talking down to such a person and so ourselves adopting a superior position. This, of course, is the opposite of “humbling ourselves”.

There are times, such as when selecting a person to fill a vacant position, that we have to make judgments. But this is quite different from denigrating a person. We are simply choosing the applicant whom we find most suitable for the position.

God gives us His Royal Law that we should love our neighbour. When we fail to do this, James explains that we are in fact judging the Law. We are implying that this Law is incorrect. We are not under this Law but under a law of our own which allows us to speak evil against each other. We have thus become not only a judge but also a lawgiver. Therefore James reminds us, “there is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you – who are you to judge your neighbour?” (4:12)

James has repeatedly warned us of the danger of the tongue and speaking against each other. He is re-emphasising the teaching of Jesus Christ: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” (Matthew 7:1-2a).

We must take the plank out of our own eye before we can see clearly to remove the speck from our brother’s or sister’s eye!

We would do well to remember the children’s chorus:
“Be careful little lips what you say!”

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.

Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:10)

Reread James 4:8-9 and you will see the reason as to why we must “humble ourselves before the Lord.”

On two occasions Jesus said to those who had confidence in themselves: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11 and 18:14).

It must be noted that, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we are to humble ourselves. We should never ask God to humble us or to humble anyone else! What might happen if we were to make such a prayer?

Humility is an attitude. Jesus Christ had this attitude and therefore He was, and still is exalted. If we read Philippians 2:5-11 we will note:

1. His attitude towards Himself – unselfishness
   “Who, being in nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.” (v. 6)
2. His attitude towards mankind – identity and servant
   “Being made in human likeness” and “taking the very nature of a servant.” (v. 7)
3. His attitude towards His Father – humility and obedience
   “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (v.

Therefore “God exalted him to the highest place……” (see v. 9-11).

Humbling ourselves does not mean thinking and saying that we are no good and cannot obey God’s call. We are God’s children and valuable in His sight. If we love ourselves too little, then we will also love God and our neighbours too little. If we love ourselves too much we will continue to love God and our neighbours too little.

Our attitude (towards ourselves, our neighbour and our Father) “should be the same as that of Jesus Christ”. (Philippians 2:5)

The way to UP is DOWN!

This meditation is extracted from “Transformation from Belief to Behaviour: 39 Lenten Meditations on the Letter of James” by Peter Young and used with permission by the author. It may be used solely for personal, noncommercial, and informational purposes. Republication or redistribution of this devotional is prohibited.