Speak after Message of Promise and Grace Carried Out

 (Luke 1:5-13, NKJV) 

When children of God pray, they do expect an answer. However, we don’t know when, where, nor how the all-knowing God will answer our prayers. A certain priest, named Zacharias, and his wife Elisabeth were examples of such a situation. They were both righteous before God, walking blameless in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord (vv.5-6). But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years (v.7). 

According to the priesthood custom Zacharias was chosen by lot to serve as priest before God in the order of his division (v.8) to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense (v.9). While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying (v.10). Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Zacharias (v.11); when he saw the angel he was troubled and afraid (v.12). The angel gave him prophetic reassurance, telling him not to be afraid, because his prayer is heard, and his wife Elizabeth will bear him a son, and he will call his name John (v.13). Children of God have the right to “ask, and it will be given to you” (Matt. 7:7a). In His infinite wisdom the Lord is never late. Zacharias probably made this request known to God long before he and Elisabeth were well advanced in years even though she was barren. Now, they will have a son to be named John – Jehovah shows favor.

Zacharias and Elizabeth may have given up on having a child, but God is purposeful in everything He does.

Lift up your voice and shout, “Glory!”