Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous in God’s eyes, careful to obey all of the Lord’s commandments and regulations. They had no children because Elizabeth was barren, and now they were both very old… Zechariah was in the sanctuary when an angel of the Lord appeared, standing to the right of the incense altar. Zechariah was overwhelmed with fear. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah! For God has heard your prayer, and your wife, Elizabeth, will bear you a son! And you are to name him John.
Luke 1:6-7, 11-13
As Luke reports the facts surrounding the birth of Jesus, he starts with what happened to Zechariah and Elizabeth. He says, “It all begins with…” (Luke 1:5). The conception of John (the Baptizer), the one who would be the forerunner in alerting the people to the fulfillment of the prophecy of the Messiah, is where it all begins.
God hears the prayers of this priest. He is in the temple praying because his turn has come about to intercede to the LORD on behalf of the people. Part of his intercession is to pray for his own barren wife. The LORD dispatched His angel to let Zechariah know his prayer has been heard and answered. “Elizabeth will bear you a son!”
Let us be people who pray for others, expecting God to answer. Zechariah and Elizabeth were praying for a child. God answered. Israel was praying for the promised Messiah. God answered. Let our prayers, during this Christmas season and always, be grounded in the faith that God hears and answers our prayers.
Prayer Focus: If you know of a couple struggling with fertility issues, share the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth with them and pray for God to bless their womb.
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