Topical Bible: Children in Answer to Prayer: Zacharias

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Zacharias, a priest of the division of Abijah, is a significant biblical figure whose account is a profound testament to the power of prayer and divine intervention in the lives of the faithful. His narrative is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, where he is depicted as a righteous man, living blamelessly according to the commandments and ordinances of the Lord, alongside his wife, Elizabeth (Luke 1:6).

The Context of Prayer

Zacharias and Elizabeth were both advanced in years and had no children, as Elizabeth was barren. In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, childlessness was often seen as a source of personal and social reproach. Despite this, Zacharias continued his priestly duties, serving God faithfully. The couple's longing for a child was undoubtedly a subject of their prayers, reflecting a deep-seated hope and trust in God's providence.

Divine Encounter and Promise

The turning point in Zacharias's account occurs during his service in the temple. As he was performing his priestly duties, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. Understandably, Zacharias was troubled and gripped with fear. However, the angel reassured him, saying, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John" (Luke 1:13).

This announcement was not only an answer to Zacharias and Elizabeth's personal prayers but also a fulfillment of God's larger redemptive plan. The child, John, would later be known as John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ, tasked with preparing the way for the Lord.

Zacharias's Doubt and God's Assurance

Despite the angel's message, Zacharias questioned the possibility of such a miracle, given his and Elizabeth's advanced age. In response to his doubt, the angel Gabriel declared that Zacharias would be mute until the fulfillment of the promise, as a sign of God's power and assurance (Luke 1:18-20).

The Fulfillment of God's Promise

In due time, Elizabeth conceived, and the couple experienced the joy of answered prayer. When the child was born, Zacharias's speech was restored upon his obedience to name the child John, as instructed by the angel. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied about the role his son would play in God's salvation plan (Luke 1:63-67).

Significance

The account of Zacharias highlights several key themes: the faithfulness of God in answering prayers, the importance of trust and obedience, and the role of divine timing in the fulfillment of God's promises. Zacharias's experience serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and the miraculous ways in which God can work in the lives of those who remain steadfast in their faith.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 1:13
But the angel said to him, Fear not, Zacharias: for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elisabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Judgment Upon Zacharias
... we believe so feebly that when the answer comes, as come ... shall I know whether he
does hear prayer or not ... and sullen, and refuse to eat the children's bread." Why ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/the judgment upon zacharias.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... When the children of Israel were in danger of being overthrown by the Philistines,
Samuel prayed, and God sent ... It was in answer to the prayer of Zacharias ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

The House of Zacharias.
... him, and declare the good tidings that his prayer was heard ... the hearts of the fathers
to the children, and the ... the likelihood of so good and gracious an answer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/ii the house of zacharias.htm

The Essence of Prayer.
... Holy Spirit beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God ... Before
we answer this question, it is necessary accurately to define prayer. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxix the essence of prayer.htm

The Birth of John Foretold. Chs. 1:5-25
... the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the ... The angel declared that the prayer
for national salvation had ... the contents of the divine answer; the Messiah ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/a the birth of john.htm

The Gospel According to St. Luke
... Answer to prayer, the Pharisee and publican, little children, the rich young man,
Christ's third prediction of His death, the blind beggar at ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter v the gospel according.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... PSALM 8 PART 1 The hosanna of children. ... PSALM 85 PART 1 Waiting for an answer to
prayer; or, Deliverance begun and ... HYMN 30 Prayer for deliverance answered. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

The Voice in the Wilderness
... joyful assurance: "Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard ... hearts of the fathers
to the children, and the ... Mary, the maiden of Nazareth, whose answer to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 10 the voice in.htm

The Spirit and Power of Elias.
... used by Gabriel himself when he told Zacharias that he was ... children, and the heart
of the children to their ... decease as able to hear and answer prayer from the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/xvii the spirit and power.htm

"We have Found the Messias"
... did write," seemed to Nathanael a direct answer to his ... fig tree will see us in the
secret place of prayer. ... hope, courage, help, and life, to the children of men ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 14 we have found.htm