INTRODUCTION
The last message in this series, Part X, presented Asherites ‘fat bread’, a people endowed with divine gifts and abilities with which they serve people and rulers.
This message presents the Naphtali traits as “a Hind let loose” that gives testimony. It explains the nature of the Naphtalite spiritual captivity, before they are ‘loosed’; the purpose of the affliction, the role of the Spirit of God and the wisdom to endure it.
Access previous messages at <https://childrenofgraceministries.international>.
- NAPHTALI IN SPIRITUAL CAPTIVITY
Jacob’s prophecy describes the trait saying, “Naphtali is a hind let loose: he giveth goodly words”. (Genesis 49:21). Put simply, it is about people, who are delivered from spiritual captivity or affliction, that give testimonies to God. To appreciate how Naphtalite are ‘let loose’ to give ‘goodly words’, let us examine the circumstances of their captivity:
- PROMISE OF GOD AND AFFLICTION
Describing Naphtalite as a “hind”, depicts their love of God. (Proverbs 5:19; Song of Solomon 3.5). They are “chosen” and have a specific promise of God to fulfil a spiritual purpose. (Psalm 105:42-43; Matthew 22:14). This marks them for spiritual captivity or affliction. (Job 1:8-11).
Naphtalite may be believers who have received Christ, or they may yet have no spiritual knowledge of God – i.e., “spiritual blindness”; the lack of spiritual understanding to believe that JESUS IS LORD”. (1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 4:4). However, both the ‘saved’ and ‘unsaved’ Naphtalite will encounter spiritual attack that will test their faith including for the unsaved, to keep them for their salvation. (Psalm 107:10-11; Isaiah 6:10, 42:18; John 12:40; Matthew 15:14, 23:16). And they may not know that they are in spiritual captivity or why they face affliction.
The spiritual captivity of this tribe is symbolised in the “hard bondage” the “children of Israel” were made to serve in Egypt; and as captives in exile in Babylon, though having God’s promise of deliverance or restoration. (Exodus 1:14’ 6:9; Daniel 1:1-3).
- MANIFESTATION OF AFFLICTION
Naphtalite affliction though spiritual, may manifest physically in a number of ways including: slavery, rigorous servitude, or hard or cruel bondage that causes “anguish of spirit” which makes people not to believe in God’s word. (Exodus 1:13-14; 2:23; 6:9).
Also, spiritual captivity may entail where God’s people are ruled by oppressive regimes, forced labour or where they serve in affliction as a stranger in a strange land; or when one is sold as a servant or is confined in prison like Joseph. (Genesis 15:13; 37 & 39; Exodus 1:11; Psalm 105:17-19).
Another form of affliction may be by a strange and prolonged sickness that doctors cannot explain or cure, like the woman with the issue of blood or the woman with the “spirit of infirmity”. (Mark 5:25-34; Luke 13:11).
Also, bareness as suffered by Sarah and Hannah (Genesis 11:30, 21:9; 1 Samuel 1:6-16). And it may also manifest in shocking death of loved ones, like Job who lost all his children in one incident (Job 1:18-19).
- IMPACT OF THE ATTACK
Brethren these afflictions may cause: fear, sorrow, emotional hurt, mourning, despair, helplessness, broken-heartedness and shame from reproach. They wound the soul. Naphtalite afflictions are usually sustained attacks that one cannot make sense of or rationalise.
Riches and money, or relationships cannot abate the bondage. In fact, acquaintances will desert them; people will ask “where is thy God”; and enemies will speak evil of them. (Isaiah 14:3; Psalm 42:3,8, 11). David describes this spiritual captivity saying: “I am shut up, And I cannot come forth”. (Psalm 88:8). Usually, when the time of manifestation of God’s promise draws near, the devil will intensify his assault on them. (Genesis 5: 3-21; Act 7:17-19).
But note that” many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all”. (Psalm 34 :19, 22).
- THE SPIRIT OF GOD LET LOOSE THE HIND
Brethren, Naphtalite shall be “let loose”, because they have a spiritual purpose. And only the anointing of the “Spirit of God” can ‘let loose them from spiritual captivity. God will deliver them and give them dominion and power “to take them captives, whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors”. (Psalm 105:42-3; Isaiah 14:1-2). In other words, they may acquire spiritual power to” loose” others who may face similar plight. (Exodus 20:2I; Psalm 81:6; Isaiah 14:3; Hebrews 2:18).
Jesus represented the power of the Spirit of God in him to “let loose” people from spiritual blindness and captivity as was seen in the opening of the eyes of the man born blind; and loosing the woman from the “spirit of infirmity”. (John 14:12; John 10:38 John 9; Luke 13:12). And by his resurrection Christ has destroyed the dominion of Satan over God’s people by the release of his Spirit. “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer…”!! (Isaiah 14:5-6 &12.)
- LOOSE FROM EMOTIONAL AFFLICTION
People of God, while the Spirit of God can ‘let loose’ from spiritual captivity and give emotional healing, Naphtalite would need to overcome the temptation of harbouring bitterness, malice, and unforgiveness that may derive from hurt or pain caused by others during their affliction. For this may keep one from wholly enjoying God’s spiritual freedom. One should therefore make an active choice to abide in God’s word, to forgive without recrimination and commit one’s cause unto God praying for healing.
- NAPHTALITE TESTIMONY: “GOODLY WORDS”
According to Jacob’s prophecy, when the Hind is “let loose”, he gives “goodly words”. The product from the test of one’s faith by ‘spiritual captivity and affliction’ is thanksgiving and testimony, of the power of God. (Psalm 18: 32-40). It invokes in the faithless, hope in the salvation of God and they humble shall learn wisdom in the fear of God. (Psalm 34:2-8; Luke 1:46).
For instance, when Hannah was delivered from bareness, she testified saying: “My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. …for I rejoice in Your salvation”. (1 Samuel 2:1; Luke 17 :11-19). Also, when the man born blind was restored, when the woman was loosed from the ‘spirit of infirmity’, and when Peter was released from prison by the angel of God, they respectively, all glorified God with goodly words. (John 9; Luke 13:12; Acts 12:3-19).
- WISDOM TO ENDURE AND WALK IN THE SPIRIT
Brethren, God does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous. ”And if they be bound in fetters, And be holden in cords of affliction; Then he sheweth them their work, And their transgressions that they have exceeded”. (Job 36:7-9). “[God] openeth their ears in oppression… to remove them out of a strait into a broad place…” that their table should be full of “fatness” (or wisdom). (Job 36:15 -16).
- WISDOM TO ENDURE AFFLICTION
Thus, there is always divine wisdom to cultivate in spiritual affliction, which could help one endure its course. For instance, one should “take heed not to disannul God’s judgement or condemn him [in order to appear] righteous before men”. (Job 40:8). It is in such afflictions that one’s knowledge of the ways of God is tried. Job admits saying “I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: But now mine eye seeth thee”. (Job 42:5).
One should not be afraid of the affliction, but focus on God, the Almighty. Trust in his love, goodness and power to make “all things work together for good …to them who are the called according to his purpose”. He can make a way for you to escape. (Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:28; 1 Corinthians 10:13).
Also, have faith in the power that is in the blood of Jesus Christ, whom God has sacrificed to deliver from the power of Satan and death. The blood is strong to wash, heal and cleanse every condition. (1 Timothy 2:5; Romans 5:1; Hebrew 8:6).
Endeavour to be of a “right spirit” by resisting explanations, accusations or making canal judgements of the affliction. For they will lead to presumptuous sin. (Psalm 51:10; 19:12,13). Job declares, “… [I have] uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not”. (Job 42:3).
Rather, cultivate “good courage” and the Joy of the Lord” by reading the Holy scriptures, praying, and singing hymns to God; and the Holy Spirit, our comforter shall uphold you. (Nehemiah 8:10; Acts 16:25). Others may do these on behalf of the afflicted Naphtalite.
- WALKING IN NAPTHALITE ANNOINTING
Brethren, at the end of their affliction, the Naphtalite may unlock specific anointing of “the Spirit of the Lord GOD” to break spiritual captivity to “loose” afflicted brethren. (Isaiah 61:1; 2 Corinthians 3:17).
For example, they could receive the anointing “to preach good tidings unto the meek”. With their deliverance, their eyes will be opened by obedience in spirit to confess Christ, and know the ONE TRUE GOD. Then they may acquire the spiritual ability to discern Holy Scriptures, to preach the gospel of grace and peace and give hope to the humble. (Psalm 119:18; Isaiah 61:1).
Also, Naphtalite would receive the anointing “to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, [and to open] the prison to them that are bound”. (Isaiah 61:1). The LORD is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom! They may be able to counsel people and bring them to understand the truth of God that sets them free, such as from religious doctrines and traditions; and from unforgiveness or bitterness that may set in broken-hearts because of reproach.
Further, they may be anointed “to proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God”; (Isaiah 61:2). They shall be led to understand the love of God, so that they may not discriminate between God’s people – the saved and unsaved, the righteous or the wicked – in sharing the love of God, since Christ died to save all. They will know to leave the cause of justice and vengeance to God who alone sees the hearts of men; and is therefore the ONLY righteous judge, who judges justly.
Another spiritual gift that Naphtalite may possess is the ability to “comfort all that mourn”, especially the faithful who may sorrow and down cast in soul; and “to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, [and] the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness”. (Isaiah 61:1-3; 11:2; Ezekiel 36:27). They shall be taught by God the spiritual words to speak to the weary in season to quicken their wounded souls and faint spirits (Isaiah 50:4)
Finally, Naphtalite that walk in this anointing to serve God’s spiritual purpose for which they are destined, to feed and revive God’s people, shall be “called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified”. (Isaiah 61:3).
PRAYER
Almighty Father, I thank you for your word.
THINE BE THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOREVER, for your wonderful works deliver to the children of men.
Father, I commit to thy care, all Naphtalite brethren who face spiritual captivity and affliction because they are chosen for your purpose. Grant them sufficient grace to endure and uphold their integrity.
LORD, be merciful to them; show the favour thou has unto them by raising them up.
By the POWER IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST, let them loose!
Jesus Lord, release their anointing to walk in their gift, that testimonies may resound to the Glory of God.
“Blessed be the LORD God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen”.
I make this prayer in JESUS NAME.
Have a blessed week and a fruitful month.
Lots of Love, P. Schwartz (SOG) 05 February 2023.
