Dan, Asher, Naphtali
Dan: We now come to the fourth and last row of precious stones on the breastplate of the high priest. On the first stone of this row was the name of Dan (Num 2:25). Dan means "God is my Judge" (Gen. 30:6). We, as believers are not supposed to take revenge against those who hate us, curse us and harm us. We should not retaliate when we are falsely accused (Rom. 12:19). It does not matter what people say about us, we must leave it with God, for He is our judge. Sometimes He may delay His judgment. For example, Elijah thought God would kill Jezebel right away because she was trying to kill him, but this was not God's way. ,He gave both Jezebel and Ahab further opportunity to repent, until at last His time came to punish that wicked queen.
Many years ago a pastor in Karachi wrote many articles against me accusing me falsely. He had them printed and distributed abroad as well as here. I was told about this, but I took no notice of it. In fact, whenever I met that person I shook hands with him and always showed such a friendly attitude towards him that he never guessed that I was aware of his activities against me. A friend of mine requested me to give him the power of attorney, so that he could sue this pastor for what he was doing and thus bring the truth to light. I replied, "According to the Scriptures, we have no right to go to the court, nor harm those who harm us. On the other hand, we have to pray for this man and bless him. God is our Judge, He knows how to defend me and how to judge him." After sometime this pastor became very ill and had blisters on his whole body, even on his lips. I went to see him and I prayed for him. He held me by my hands and begged for forgiveness. Thus God dealt with him in His own time. When people say nasty things about you, do not retaliate nor do any harm to them. God will defend you and also judge them in His own time. He is a loving God and will not let you down, on your part, you should draw nearer to God and refrain from judging others.
Asher: The eleventh name on the stones of the breastplate is Asher (Num. 2:27). The meaning of Asher is "Happy am I" and Leah added "for the daughters will call me blessed" (Gen. 30:13). God Himself is our happiness: not our talents, nor our gifts, nor our ministry. In the beginning of our spiritual life we long to possess Bible knowledge or to perform many miracles; we covet extraordinary talents like the gift of healing. Later on we realize that none of these by themselves bring us true happiness. The Lord Himself is our happiness. It is our privilege to be in His presence and talk to Him. David says, "in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for ever more" (Ps.16:11). You may have noticed that the moments you have spent upon your knees in worship, devotion and communion with Him, and in the reading of His Word, are the happiest moments of your life. This joy cannot be compared with any other joy in the world.
There is a true story about a king who plundered the temples of India. When he crossed the Indus river, he said to his soldiers, "I want to reward you all for your faithfulness. You suffered with me all these many years." He opened the bags of treasure that contained diamonds, rubies and many precious stones. Then he asked the soldiers to make their choice and to take whatever they wanted. All came up to take their share except one soldier who kept standing near the king. Then the king asked him also to go and take his treasure, but this, soldier said, "I choose you. I do not want these things. You give me the privilege to stay with you." We are told that he eventually received more than all the others, for all that belonged to the king became his, when the king died. Many people think of blessings in times of what they either want or have. They say, "Lord, give me this and give me that." They do not want the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. He is the giver of all good gifts, and by faith in Him we receive every thing. As we love Him and honor Him more, we will receive every thing automatically. He is our Asher. He is our true happiness.
Naphtali: The name on the last stone of the breastplate is Naphtali which means "wrestling with God" (Num. 2:29 and Gen. 30:8). Jacob wrestled with God and said, "I will not let thee go, except thou bless me" (Gen. 32:26). Abraham interceded with God for Sodom and Gomorrah with reverential persistence. We also have the privilege of going to God to travail and intercede for God's people and God's servants scattered in different parts of the world. We cannot go personally to every place, but we can pray (Eph. 6:18). Such intercession is wrestling with God. When we come to know the needs of different people, their sufferings and their problems, we should begin to wrestle with God for them. As our prayer circle goes on widening we will find that we are drawn closer to the heart of God.
Many yeas ago I was in Victoria, Canada. I received a message from an old lady who fractured her spinal cord and was encased in plaster of Paris. She was in much pain for most of the time. When I went to see her in the small room where she lived, she told me, "I am thankful to the Lord for keeping me in bed like this. This gives me plenty of time to pray for many of the Lord's servants." Several years before, she wanted to become a foreign missionary but for some reason had been unable to do so. "But now", she continued, "When I am in pain and unable to sleep, the Lord reminds me to pray for one servant of God and another in different parts of the world." This was the ministry given to her by God. Victoria is a sea port and ships from many parts of the world halt there. Thus missionaries from many countries pass through this town. This sister had a list of all servants of God who were passing through and she would invite them to come and see her. Someone informed her about me and so she gave an invitation to me also. When I went to see her, her face was shining with happiness. She told me how she had been praying for me for many years. Only in eternity shall we know the great things which God has done in answer to her prayers and in and through the lives of all the saints, and servants of God for whom she had been interceding. That is Naphtali. We all can have this privilege of wrestling in prayer.
I have found traveling by train very helpful for prayer. I have spent whole nights in praying for people all over the world; for their salvation, safety and anointing. While traveling in crowded trains, without any reservation even, we can spend time profitably in prayer. Thus we shall forget our discomfort, and shall rejoice in praying for others. That is how we are drawn near to the heart of God.
By faith say, "Lord, give me the experience of Judah Issachar, Zebulun, Reuben, Simeon, Gad, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher and Naphtali and keep me near Thy heart. Make me like these precious stones. Prepare me for my share in Thy fullness." Now believe that He will do it.
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