Coram Deo (13-14a): Our lives are to be governed by the presence of the Lord. If we are suffering, we depend on the Lord and pray.[1] If we are cheerful, we praise the Lord and direct our songs to Him. If we are sick, we call upon those who represent Christ’s shepherding care for His church (“the elders”)[2] to pray over us. This is life that is lived coram Deo (Latin for “in the presence of God”). The unbelieving world lives away from the presence of God and it is seen in how they deal with joy and trials, all without God. But as those redeemed through the blood of Christ (Col. 1:20), we live under the Lord’s good care and we live for His glory.[3] We reject a life of practical atheism.

Sickness (14b-15): It is God who heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3). All remedies to sickness are derived from nature. To ascribe all cures and therapeutics to a phantom entity called “modern medicine” fails to give credit to God who by Himself has built into our world many means for our healing. Hence, it is wise and right to call on the source of healing when we fall ill. Furthermore, sickness may be God’s means of bringing His discipline upon our lives. The Bible reveals that illnesses are sometimes (not always) caused by personal sin.[4] Hence, to seek the care of those who represent Christ’s shepherding care (“elders”) in times of severe sickness is only sensible. May we diligently and proactively receive the shepherding care (and even discipline!) of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

[1] The people of God pray in times of suffering: Psalm 18:6; 50:15; Jonah 2:2-7; Acts16:25; 1 Pet. 4:19; Heb. 5:7.

[2] Elders/pastors represent Christ’s shepherding care for His people: John 10:11, 14; 21:15-17; 1 Pet. 5:1-4.

[3] Cf. Rom. 14:7-8; 1 Cor. 6:19-20; 10:31; 2 Cor. 5:15; Phil. 1:20-21; Col. 3:17, 23; 1 Pet. 4:2, 11.

[4] Cf. Gen. 12:17; Num. 12:9-10; Deut. 28:22, 27, 35, 60-61; John 5:14; 1 Cor. 11:30.