Beth Elohim Messianic Synagogue
Response to question about Laying on of Hands in the Book of James
G-d’s Torah teaches us that there is a time and place for laying on of hands for various reasons. There are several scriptures that speak of this intervention on behalf of others, but I will restrict my response to James 5:14-15 to which the individual referred.
There are many occasions throughout the journey of a believer/follower of YHVH/Yahshua where we have a special need of some sort of healing, perhaps physical, spiritual, or emotional. The Bible teaches through examples that this practice is one way G-d may choose to provide healing. First note that in James 5:14 it reads: “Is someone among you ill? He should call for the elders of the congregation. They will pray for him and rub olive oil on him in the name of the L-rd. The prayer offered with trust will heal the one who is ill- the L-rd will restore his health; and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.
Note that the one who is ill takes action and goes to the elders. The use of the elders does not mandate someone with that title in a religious institution. Rather it implies one who is well grounded in the faith, understanding that any healing that occurs is credited to G-d through the trusting faith of the individual and the one/s praying for that individual. The elders or whoever is laying on of hands does not go to the one who is ill; rather it is the trusting faith of the one who is ill that compels him/her to go to the elders.
Using this united intervention, believers are brought together, sharing their trust in the faithfulness of Yahshua, invoking G-d’s presence to bring about healing and or a cure for the malady. Sometimes healing of the spirit is given but a physical malady may remain without a cure. The outcome is by G-d’s will.
This intervention supported the fact that we are not alone and we need each other’s support when we are in need. No man or woman is an island of one which is a philosophy promoted in our society today. As the elders or other senior members of a congregation should know, we can be vessels of G-d’s love in whatever way He chooses to answer. But G-d’s answer may not be what we expected. Again, those laying hands on an individual understand that G-d is sovereign and that the prayers and laying on of hands is a heartfelt and humble action taken on behalf of another believer. By laying on of hands, we invite the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) to use us as conduits for G-d’s blessing. Again, healing comes from G-d, but he may use us to convey his love and compassion in practical ways.
The laying on of hands may be done by a single elder or other senior member of a congregation who understands the intent of this intervention and its possible ramifications on the life of the individual. A group of elders may conduct this special intervention, or the elders and the congregation may be involved where not only the individual asking for the laying on of hands is encouraged and strengthened in their faith and sense of connectedness, but also the congregation as they participate in unity.
Recognizing that the act of laying on of hands is biblically grounded in the Old and “New Testaments” there are many examples in the Bible which speak of this intervention in several contexts such as conferring blessings and authority (Gen. 48:14, and transferring blessings and inheritance (Num. 27:18-23). Laying on of hands was also used in the context of the sacrifices (Leviticus 1:4).
In the “New” Testament more accurately called the refreshed renewed Covenant, we see Yahshua using this practice frequently in his ministry (Mark 6:5).
As I mentioned, the reason for using elders, or other senior members of a congregation is to make sure everyone understands that G-d is the one who brings about the end result. This means our hearts must be humble and focused on G-d’s strength, guidance, mercy, grace, and sovereignty. By putting ourselves and our personal agendas aside, we open the channels for the Ruach HaKodesh to work through us.
Sometimes we do not see healing, curing, or any other obvious positive result with this action. How do we explain this?
In Hebrews 5:11-14 we read “Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, saying ye are dull of hearing. For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of G-d; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat. For everyone that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”
This scripture refers to the need for individuals well- grounded in the faith and the reason why. Individuals who hold jealousy, fear, rage, bitterness, envy, or anger in their hearts cannot expect G-d to honor their prayers for another. We all want the blessings of heaven promised to those who repent wholeheartedly and follow G-d’s Word. Yahshua provided those who choose to follow His laws/commands, and statutes out of love with the “new nature” spoken of in Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10;1 Cor. 3:16;2 Cor. 4:16 to name a few. This new nature gives the repentant individual the power to overcome fleshly, soulish choices and behaviors and live according to G-d’s instructions instead.
Once we are reconciled to G-d through Yahshua’s sacrifice, we are held responsible for our actions just as the Israelites started afresh after crossing the Red Sea. We are and will be held accountable for every deed in our lives. This truth is recorded in Revelation 2:23. Perhaps then, the individual being prayed for and/or those laying hands on him/her have some issues remaining in their hearts and minds that must be addressed and removed before the Holy Spirit will honor prayers for healing.
Another subject we must examine as we look for a possible reason why the laying on of hands may not result in healing is forgiveness. Forgiving others is a condition for being forgiven “Therefore I say until you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them. And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
In conclusion, if we are not healed when we have prayed that it be so, the first thing we need to do is ask G-d to examine our hearts, both those praying for someone, and the object of the prayers. We should not blame G-d while excusing, rationalizing, minimizing, or justifying that which we are convicted by the Holy Spirit to correct.
I encourage all true believers defined by YHVH/Yahshua himself in John 14; Rom. 2-3. And the Seven-fold witness in the book of Revelation to read Psalm 139 carefully and often:23-4.
Shalom,
Rabbi Tamah Davis-Hart