Nate Staton

Worth the Wait

And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, “a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”  Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said,

“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace,
according to your word;
 for my eyes have seen your salvation
 that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples,

 a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and for glory to your people Israel.”

Luke 2:22-32

One of the many sub teachings of the Christmas story is that God is worth the wait. Israel had waited hundreds of years to hear from God. There was no prophet to say “Thus says the Lord.” There was no person He was using to communicate that the Messiah was coming just yet. The people of Israel may have been wondering if God would ever speak again. Simeon, however, was ready and waiting for the coming the Christ. The Holy Spirit had told Simeon that he would not die until he saw the Christ.

Simeon lived in hope for the manifestation of the revolution given to him from Holy Spirit. All of Israel longed for their Savior. The silence from heaven must have been unbearable. God would be faithful to His word to Simeon. Simeon, being a man who obviously desired the Lord and loved Him, was a vessel ready to see the Lord’s Christ. Would you consider yourself one who is waiting upon the Lord? Do you find it worthy of your time to allow your days to be obsessed the glory of God and the hope if His coming? I believe that God chose Simeon for such a time in history as this, because He knew Simeon’s heart for Him.

The Lord did show Himself to Simeon. When Jesus was presented at the temple joy filled Simeon. He was filled with joy for the fulfillment of the coming Messiah who was to come save both Jew and Gentile!  He felt peace and release from this world once he met the One who was not of the world.

You see, the Lord is good. He is faithful. We can never over communicate the faithfulness of our Father. He is true to allow circumstances to come to  pass to words He has spoken. I want to encourage you to long for the Lord as Simeon. To be led by Holy Spirit as he was. To be filled with so much joy at the presence of the King of Kings! Simeon had waited to the end of his life to see this King Jesus. I encourage you to meet Him today. He can release you from the pressures of the world. Give you reconciliation with the Father, and bring you peace never imagined of. Allow the Lord’s faithfulness to take root in your life, and reap the blessing go the promised King’s presence in your life, just as Simeon did.

Rendering What is Received

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Luke 2:20

The shepherds had received the gift of being one of the first to encounter Jesus. They had been favored and chosen by God, to behold the Christ. Now, the moment of the encounter was over in the moment, and they were having to move forward. They did not receive this blessing to simply receive, there was something they now had to render. Every encounter with God demands a response.

The shepherds returned to their field and while they were returning, they were praising and glorifying God. They were not hung up on how special they were that they were chosen to see Jesus, they were hung up on the Chosen One. Time spent with Jesus tends to lead us to focus more on His greatness than ourselves.

Notice that the Scripture says that they were praising and glorifying God because all they had heard and seen, “as it had been told to them.” It was God’s faithfulness that was recognized and received. It is one thing to receive a promise, a word of knowledge, or even a word of encouragement. It is a completely different thing to walk in the fulfillment of it. The shepherds were full of praise because God was fulfilling His faithfulness unto them.

Be encouraged today that your Father is faithful. He will give you the details sometimes, and even the blueprints to what He will call you to. Those details and blueprints are to guide you closer to His presence and purpose for your life. The shepherds received word and direction in regards to what the Savior was and where He was. I believe that God is speaking to you just as He did to them. He is guiding you with a revelation and a direction. Truth your Father’s faithfulness.

Once you find yourself walking in this faithfulness, render unto the Lord worship, and glorifying His name for what you have received. He is worthy of worship today, just as He was in the midst of the Shepherds. God is a God worthy of praise, for He leads us in al of His ways.

Good News

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

I’m convinced that this testimony has been shared so much over the years that we have allowed this truth to enter our ears with great numbness.What brought the shepherds shock and awe leaves the church  hardly amused today. What makes me say this? Is there any merit to what I have just said? Let me ask you this. When you read this passage, did you smile? Did joy fill your soul? Did hope arise? Did you see this as good news or repetitive news? What this even newsworthy to you? Did you skim over this passage, or did you drink it in?

The angel said that there was good news a great joy at hand! I think many of us could use such a message as that today! We go on Facebook, and we see timelines full of narcissism, pessimism, and self-glorification. Don’t buy that? Stop reading this right now, go on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat, and see if that description fits the bill more often than not. We need good news! But we need the right good news. We need Jesus! This is not to say that Jesus can’t be found in these avenues, but, this is not the desired place of residence for Him. His desired place of resident is your heart.

Perhaps you need good news today. I have some for you. God sent His son for you. He loves you. His love is faithful towards you and is able to endure all things. There is nothing you could have done that could keep you from His love. Your Father in heaven is faithful to you. Take hold of this good news today! Jesus is for you, your Father is for you! You are loved so intensely that God sent the most powerful statement of love ever, His Son. What will you do with this good news of your faithful Father today?

Protective Father

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

Matthew 2:13-15

When we are in the will of God, we have the protection of God. Even when the odds seem to be anti-Hunger Games (Never in your favor), He will see you through. At this point in the life of Jesus, Herod is looking to harm Jesus. The Lord, in His faithfulness, goes and prepares a way out of Egypt for Joseph to lead His family. This would fulfill two purposes. One, Jesus would be safe. Two, this would fulfill His word spoken long ago that He would call His son out of Egypt. Once again, can we just proclaim His faithfulness!

On a side note, I love the faithfulness we see in Joseph. There are few passages that speak of Jesus’ earthly father. What we do see of him though, we see a man being faithful to God and obedient with his life. Definitely something we can all be encouraged with.

Getting back to this passage in Matthew though, God was protecting His ways, Himself, His chosen people, and His plans. What God called forth and spoke into action, He would protect. It would have been a shame for Jesus to come all this way and be murdered by a coward such as Herod, however, cowards certainly did lead Him to the cross thirty-three years later. But God was not ready for Jesus to be offered as a ransom for sin just yet in His timeline.

Be encouraged today that God will protect that which He projects. What He calls forth will be covered by Him. A thousand may fall, but you will stand! Why, you ask? Because He is a faithful Father who protects His children. You may have a hard time with that concept because your earthly father is hardly protective, he may even be dangerous to you. Remember that your Father in heaven is not of this world, but He will certainly protect you until you reach the other side of eternity. Rest in the protection of your Faithful Father today.

Worthy of Worship

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Matthew 2:10-12

Have you ever found yourself waiting for something you’ve wanted for a long time? You worked up your appetite and expectations in hopes that your desires and expectations will produce the results you’ve been waiting for. Everything in you is on pins and needles in wait, ready to pounce at the moments notice. Sometimes, our expectations are exceeded, the wait was well worth it. Other times, if we are being honest, the wait was not worth it. The experience did not match up to the anticipation and expectations.

God is everything we could possibly hope for! Notice the wise men get excited just at the sight of the star! They had not even met Jesus yet, but they were excited at the hope that the star promised. The star would give them great expectation and anticipation for who they would meet. This hope kept them in the journey.

When they finally arrived at the house, the fell to their face and worship Jesus on the ground He created. The wise men gave Jesus gifts and offered them unto Him. Jesus was everything they hoped He would be. They were not let down, they found themselves in the presence of God and in a place of worship.

Yesterday, we saw that God’s faithfulness to grant them this journey was easily seen once highlighted. Today I want to encourage you that God is Faithful to who He is. He is worthy the journey and worthy of our praise. He is worthy of this because He sent His son as promised, and He is always found where He promises He will be. He will never lead you on a journey that you will not be able to find Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Our Father is incredibly Faithful, that calls for His children to be faithful to see Him worthy of worship!

Wise Men 

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”  When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

Matthew 2:2-4

One of the most overlooked moments of faithfulness from God (in my observations) in the western church is the Father’s protection of Jesus and His family, as well as those who sought after Him at His arrival. People were coming to see this baby born “King of the Jews.” This attraction, popularity, and name did not sit well with Herod. We know the history books that Herod was one of the most unstable men to ever walk the face of this earth. This can be  seen through murdering his family when they did not yield desired expectations, to killing children. He was a demon inspired and oppressed man.

Therefore, when the wise men came to him seeking the one “born king of the Jews,” this did not sit well with Herod. Herod would not be able to stop the wise men from seeing Jesus. Their search for the King of the Jews would note be halted by the man who could hardly rule his own emotions let alone his own kingdom, Herod. The Father allowed these men to come and see Jesus. He also allowed them to speak boldly before this dangerous man to seek after Him. God was faithful to their pursuit. What was troubling to Herod would turn out to be triumphant to the wise men.

Today, God is still able to match His faithfulness to our pursuit. There are many things that may be attempting to stop you from your pursuit of Jesus. These things may not be as alarming as an encounter with Herod, but, they are still circumstances, or people who are seemingly blocking your search. God is a God who can not be blocked.

Seek Him. Seek Him as King of your heart and Lord of your life. All that is seemingly standing in your way or trying to keep you from Him will not prevail. The Lord is faithful to those who seek Him. Just as He was faithful to the wise men in keeping them safe on their pursuit, even when their pursuit landed them in enemy territory, so to will He be faithful to you. If God is for you, who then, could be against you? Pursue Him today, rest in His faithfulness. He will not fail to meet your pursuit.

Wilderness Weight Training

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

Luke 1:80

Often times when someone hears of the wilderness, they automatically assume the worst is at hand. That is fair considering when Israel was in the wilderness, they were not walking in the promise or prosperity that had been spoken over them yet. What if the wilderness, however, was a training ground for God to strengthen His chosen? What is the wilderness is not a form of disciplinary action of the Father, but a means of the Father seeing His children walk disciplined.

When I say that, I have the imagery of a professional athlete working out, eating the right foods, and drinking the right fluids. This athlete is walking disciplined. They have a formula that works for them and they stick with it. It is advantageous for them to do so. I see this happening with John in the close of Luke Chapter one.

As John was growing, He was allowing His strength in spirit to be consecrated to the Father. He was being drawn close to the Lord, for the purpose the Lord had for him. John allowed this time in the wilderness to be made much of, and did not waste it. We can safely assume that, because it  states that John waited in the wilderness until it was his time to appear to Israel. John was being strengthened for his appearance. He was not being punished because of his purpose.

One of my favorite things to watch in baseball is the bullpen. It is such a unique atmosphere. Relief pitchers might be some of the weirdest folks you will ever meet. Despite their weird demeanor, they are extremely disciplined in warming up and preparing for their time on the mound, when called upon. It is amazing to watch these guys warm up and come into the game at full speed. They don’t miss a beat.

This is the imagery I see with John, and all who walk in the wilderness. They are not lost, and they have not lost purpose. The purpose is significant, it has simply yet to manifest and reveal its opportune time. The relief pitcher can only come in once the manager signals for him. He must wait until the sign is given, then the mound is all his. The Christian must do the same. We must wait on the Lord, and make the most of our preparation for the work He has for us.

Be encouraged today. God may have you in the wilderness, but it is for training purposes. Your spirit needs to be strengthened for the task and time ahead. The Father is faithful and will not allow your time in the wilderness to go to waste. He is waiting for the right moment to thrust you into His plan, for His glory. Make the most of this time, for it is what prepares you for the big stage. Our Father is faithful and good, and He will only place you in position when He knows you are ready. Hit the weights, do not lost heart. He is faithful to fulfill that which He trains you for.

Glimpse of Things to Come

 And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying,

 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
for he has visited and redeemed his people
and has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
that we should be saved from our enemies
and from the hand of all who hate us;
to show the mercy promised to our fathers
and to remember his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us
that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies,
might serve him without fear,
in holiness and righteousness before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
in the forgiveness of their sins,
because of the tender mercy of our God,
whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high

to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

Luke 1: 67-79

Zechariah was filled with Holy Spirit. We have already seen his wife, Elizabeth filled with Holy Spirit, now Zechariah was filled, and he prophesied as well! This is a picture of a glimpse of things to happen within the church, and through the salvific and abundant life-giving ministry of Jesus Christ.

Zechariah was mute for a season, but now he was poised with the Spirit of God inside of Him prophesying over his son. In the book of Acts we see people become filled with Holy Spirit and speak in tongues. From that point on, we see people who are saved by Jesus walking in a relationship and talking and responding to Holy Spirit.

There are many truths in this prophetical passage of Zechariah, but before we get to that, it is important that we acknowledge that God was opening the mouth of His mute people. He was beginning to give them a voice once again, for His glory.

Being able to see Zechariah go from mute to momentous is encouraging for us. Because the one he was prophesying that his son would make  a way for, is living inside us. Jesus, has given us Holy Spirit. We walk and talk with God all the time. We can speak life married with truth  into one another. We are not a mute and powerless people. We are children of God, filled with His Spirit.

We see only but a glimpse of what we can walk in everyday with the Spirit in this passage. God is so faithful, that He did not leave this earth with His children wandering. He left this earth with His Spirit in ministry and in fellowship with all who call upon the name of Jesus. Respond to your faithful Father today. He has given you the hope of new life in Jesus. And Jesus, has given you the power and promise for today, through His Spirit. Take and enjoy immeasurable, for that is how He gives of Himself. Do not walk or talk on your own power and faithfulness. Rest in His faithful and completed work.

Mute but Faithful

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.  And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father,  but his mother answered, “No; he shall be called John.” And they said to her, “None of your relatives is called by this name.” And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?”For the hand of the Lord was with him.

Luke 1: 57-66

The life of Zechariah is admirable in my eyes. I see a man hungry for the Lord, walking before the Lord, but questioning the Lord in a prophetic moment. This moment was when the angel Gabriel declared that the Lord would give him a child. We now know that the result of Zechariah’s doubt was muteness. Yet, there was still faithfulness to be accomplished and walked out in his life, even though he was mute. He needed to see that Elizabeth was provided for during her pregnancy, and that she was cared for during and after the birth. He was faithful, even in the midst of his punishment. I admire a man who does not run from discipline, but rather responds in truth.

We are able to see in the delivery and welcoming of John into this world. The baby was born, the family was excited, and now it was time to name the baby. Typically, the first-born male would be named after the father. So, it is understandably alarming, when the people question the naming of this baby to be John. John, is not short for Zechariah. So why this name?! The family was questioning and giving their input. Meanwhile, Zechariah remained mute.

Mute until he was questioned about the child’s name. He took a tablet, and wrote, “His name is John.” As wonder filled the room, Zechariah overpowered that wonder with praise to God. He was now speaking and praising the God who muted him for a season, he was not going to question God’s faithfulness and provision now.

You see, Zechariah and Elizabeth were going to be as faithful to God in the midst of their fruitfulness as they were in their infertility. They were known as walking blamelessly before God at the beginning of Luke 1. Now they are being seen in that same light before God and man. The fear of the Lord came upon the people and wonder about God’s plans entertained their minds once again. The people had not heard from God in so long, now they hear of Elizabeth’s favor with God and Zechariah’s praise to the very same God. The silent treatment from heaven was now interrupted with His faithfulness being praised and declared.

Perhaps you find yourself mute in your circumstances today. I want to encourage you, when it becomes time for you to speak the truth of the Lord over the muteness, declare it unto Him. Zechariah did not let the lack of his voice to keep him from honoring the Lord. He grabbed the tablet and wrote. Do not be afraid to speak what God has spoken. God is faithful, He will not simply leave you with the tablet in hand. He will give you a voice, and that voice is to be faithfully fervent unto Him! He is a faithful Father. Everything He calls you to, He will see you through. Grab your tablet today, and get ready for your voice to speak His glory.