Topical Bible: Answers 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 example of answered prayer. His narrative is primarily found in the Gospel of Luke, where his experience underscores themes of faith, divine timing, and the fulfillment of God's promises.

Background

Zacharias was married to Elizabeth, a descendant of Aaron, and both were righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord (Luke 1:5-6). Despite their devout lives, they faced the deep personal sorrow of childlessness, as Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years (Luke 1:7).

The Angelic Announcement

While Zacharias was serving as a priest before God, his division was on duty, and he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense (Luke 1:8-9). During this sacred moment, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense (Luke 1:11). Zacharias was troubled and fear fell upon him, but 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).

The Answer to Prayer

The angel's message was a direct answer to the prayers of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Despite their advanced age, God had heard their petitions and was about to bless them with a son. This child, John the Baptist, would play a pivotal role in preparing the way for the Lord, as foretold by the angel: "He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord" (Luke 1:14-15).

Zacharias' Doubt and Consequence

Zacharias, however, questioned the angel's message due to his and Elizabeth's old age, asking, "How can I be sure of this?" (Luke 1:18). In response, the angel Gabriel declared that because of his disbelief, Zacharias would be rendered mute until the fulfillment of the prophecy (Luke 1:19-20). This temporary affliction served as both a sign and a period of reflection for Zacharias.

Fulfillment and Restoration

In due time, Elizabeth conceived, and the promise was fulfilled with the birth of John. On the eighth day, during the circumcision ceremony, Zacharias confirmed the name given by the angel, writing, "His name is John" (Luke 1:63). Immediately, his speech was restored, and he praised God (Luke 1:64). Filled with the Holy Spirit, Zacharias prophesied about the future ministry of his son and the coming of the Messiah (Luke 1:67-79).

Significance

The account of Zacharias is a testament to the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in answering in His perfect timing. It highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem insurmountable. Zacharias' experience serves as an enduring reminder of the divine orchestration of events and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through the birth of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... It was in answer to the prayer of Zacharias, that the angel Gabriel was sent ... With
the evidence here presented, who can doubt that God hears and answers prayer? ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
... words, "Before whom I stand." We are here reminded of Gabriel's words to Zacharias
in informing ... The proof of God and of His being is that He answers prayer. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/v elijah the praying prophet.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... to wait and press and pray, and hear no voice, but stay till God answers. ... Elizabeth,
barren and past age as she was, in answer to the prayer of Zacharias. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

His Schools and Schoolmasters.
... in her heart, in the belief and prayer that her ... would we not have given to hear
Zacharias quote Isaiah ... who receives a flagrant insult, and answers quietly; the ...
/.../meyer/john the baptist/iii his schools and schoolmasters.htm

A Statement of the Manner in which Luke's Procedure is Proved to ...
... him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard ... And his father Zacharias was filled
with the Holy ... heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. ...
/.../augustine/the harmony of the gospels/chapter v a statement of the.htm

That Upon the Conquest and Slaughter of vitellius Vespasian ...
... And now, when Vespasian had given answers to the ... slain him; whereas this slaughter
of "Zacharias, the son ... be meant "proseuchae," or "houses of prayer," out of ...
/.../chapter 11 that upon the.htm

The Heidelberg Catechism. AD 1563.
... Zacharias Ursinus (B??r), the chief author of the ... Creed, the Decalogue, the Lord's
Prayer, Baptism, the ... Several answers are acknowledged gems in the history of ...
/.../ 69 the heidelberg catechism.htm

Index i. Of Subjects
... Angels, one appears to Zacharias, i.138-140; their names, whence derived, 141, 142; ...
answers the Baptist's disciples as to prayer and fasting, 662-665; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm

Luke.
... the poetry of worship, the poetry of prayer and thanksgiving ... The songs of Zacharias,
Elizabeth, Mary, and Simeon, and the ... No other writer answers the description ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 82 luke.htm

Luke.
... (1:46-55), the song of Zacharias. ... (11:5-13) and the unjust judge. (18:1-8) to show
the certain and blessed results of continued prayer. ... 2. Questions and answers. ...
/.../gerberding/the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter xxvi luke.htm