SET FREE

 

Naphtali is a doe set free that bears beautiful fawns.  According to the Book of Genesis, Naphtali  means, “my struggle", he was the sixth son of Jacob and second son with Bilhah. He was the founder of the Israelite Tribe of Naphtali.  Naphtali was a swift runner, though this appears to have been inferred from the Blessing of Jacob, which equates Naphtali to a hind or deer.  We should always be swift in love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, honesty, integrity and transparency.  According to Genesis 46:24, Naphtali had four sons: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.  In the Testament of Naphtali or Testaments  of the Twelve Patriarchs.  In this apocryphal material, Naphtali gave his sons no commandment except regarding the fear of God, that they should serve Him and follow after Him, also admonished them not to join themselves unto the sons of Joseph but join the sons of Levi and Judah. He also had a vision about the division of tribes of Israel and told to them that Abraham was chosen by God for his faith.

 

In this portion of scripture two powerful truths come forth.  When you are set free you bear a beautiful life. 

 

We are free from Bondage or any form. 

 

Jesus came to set the captive free.  This is the promise of Isaiah 61, Jesus did this by his broken body and shed blood.   He set us free from disease, sickness, ill health. pain, and sorrow.  John said in John 8:32, that who the son sets free is free indeed.  Any bondage that entangles us whether satanic, worldly or human we can be set free from.  All we have t do is ask.  James says, “You have not because you ask not.”  Bondage comes in many forms, spiritual, physical, emotion, intellectual, financial and even family.  It is for freedom that we have been set free.  Paul reminds us in Gal 5:1 that we have been set free.  He then tells us that we need to stand firm.  That means do not go back into bondage once you have been set free.  Bondage can come from outside and inside but when we have been set free make a decision to not got entangled or be put into bondage again.

 

We are free from guilt. 

 

The guilt I am talking about is false guilt.  Guilt that comes from satan, the world or other people.  Guilt is a response from the conscience when we are wrong in our thinking, speaking or actions.  It has been placed by God as a moral compass for our lives.   It becomes negative when it moves us to fear or bondage.  Jesus dealt with guilt on the cross.  He released us from the guilt, shame and consequences of sin.  Satan manipulatives our guilt by using it in a negative manner against us.  He accuses us and this causes us to feel false guilt or makes us feel that we have not done enough to rectify the situation.  I have met people who even though they have done all they can to make things right still being guilty.  Here is a simple thing to remember.  In John 1:9, it states that if we confess our sins, make a decision to not knowingly repeat it that the Lord will be faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  Now the secret of staying free is receiving God’s forgiveness.  That is why Paul said in Gal 5:1 to stand firm.  You have been set free from guilt so stand firm in that reality.  When the devil comes and tells you about your past, tell him it has been forgiven and remind him of his future.

 

Freedom from futility

 

The problem many face today is trying to figure out what to do after we have been set free.  There is a manual to help us and that is the Bible.  As you read meditate and apply God’s word you begin to have purpose, meaning and direction.  It is a process.  Any journey starts with the step.  The problem with many people is they fall back into the familiar.  If you were used to doing things for yourself were self reliant and self-assured then it is easy to fall into good works to look good in the sight of man and God.  If you suffered from self-esteem problems then it is easy to fall into a pattern of thinking you will never be good enough for God even though there are many assurance scriptures.  The writer of Hebrews calls this dead works.  Don’t fall into a pattern of dead works.  Here are two things that if you do these well you are fulfilling all the Lord requires today.  First, go into your world and tell others about Jesus.  We are all called to tell others.  Tell them about what you were like before Christ, how you came to Christ and then tell them what the Lord has done for your lately. Secondly, love.  Love people with an agape love.  Love with no strings attach and no expectation of anything in return.  You do these well and you will not live a life in futility.

 

You are set free to serve the living God.

 

When you are free you then have a new pattern of life.  You now have a purpose, a will and direction for your life.  I gave you that just a moment ago.  You are called to live an active life under the authority, direction and anointing of the Lord.  Each one of us have a different calling and God will reveal it too you in time.  He will use your interests, skills, natural abilities and inclinations.  The Bible lists in Romans 12, a list to start.  You could be a perceiver or common sense person. Someone who serves, a teacher loves learning and teaching, an encourager, an administrator, and lastly a giver.  Also in 1 Cor 12 &14 there are the nine gifts of the spirit, such as tongues, interpretation prophecy, faith, healing miracles, Word of wisdom, knowledge and discernment.  All  these gifts and ministries under the direction of the Holy spirit, either way open your heart and walk in the freedom that you have and serve the living God.  This is the Naphtali life.  Set free and living a beautiful life.