Your prayer has been heard

Your prayer has been heard. 

What was Zechariah praying for? He and Elizabeth had been childless their entire marriage, so he was likely praying for a son. But Zechariah was also a priest, and this scene takes place as he is offering incense in the sanctuary of the Temple. So Zechariah was probably also praying on behalf of his people, Israel. And God, in his infinite wisdom and creativity, announced that he had heard both strains of Zechariah’s prayer: he and Elizabeth would have a son, and that son would prepare the way for the Messiah.

God answered both of Zechariah’s prayers at once, revealing a plan that is both as vast as salvation history and as intimate as Zechariah’s deepest longings. Let’s see how God did this:

“You shall name him John” (Luke 1:13). The name John, which means “God has shown favor,” reveals how God is blessing Zechariah and Elizabeth with a child. But it also reveals that he will “favor” all of Israel through this child.

“Many will rejoice at his birth” (Luke 1:14). John’s birth will not just make his parents happy, but it will bring rejoicing to many people—ultimately, to the entire world. 

“He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb” (Luke 1:15). Zechariah was probably relieved to know his son would be born already holy, but that holiness was so that he could draw all the children of Israel to the Lord!

This is how generous and creative God is. His work in the life of one person always carries a corporate blessing along with it. For example, when you receive forgiveness in Confession, not only do you feel more free and joyful, but your disposition has a positive effect on the people around you. Or when someone comes to new faith in Christ, he or she often shares the good news with other people and invites them into the same relationship with the Lord.

God is always concerned with the deep longings of your heart. But he is also at work making you an instrument of his love.

Word Among Us