Characters at the Cradle: Zechariah's Angelic Visitation

by David Chadwick

The story of Zechariah continues in Luke 1:8-15, which we will look at today. While serving as priest, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple during a high holy feast. Take note that even the drawing of straws is under the sovereign hand of Almighty God according to Proverbs 16:33. We serve a mighty God who has a timing and purpose for everything!

Undoubtedly, while serving in the temple, Zechariah prayed for Israel, as all priests regularly did. However, I would suppose he also prayed fervently for a child, and probably more specifically a son, as sons were considered a special gift from God in those days as they served as a continuation of the family name.

While Zechariah was serving in the temple, an angel, who later in the story self-identifies as Gabriel, appeared to him. 400 years of silence from God is now broken. He said to Zechariah, "Your prayers have been heard." Could there be a more perfect and wonderful message to receive from an angelic visitation than this? God heard Zechariah's prayers, which were probably offered many times throughout the years, both for Israel and for a child.

After Gabriel's encounter with Zechariah, Zechariah was filled with fear, which is a common emotion when anyone in the Bible experienced a divine revelation. Can you even imagine a perfect angel appearing to you as a sinful human? I can only imagine the fear of the Lord that would come upon me if that happened to me.

The angel went on to tell Zechariah that he would have a son and he was to be named John, which means "God is gracious." And God certainly is gracious. He gave this man a son in his old age by grace, through faith. He told Zechariah that he and his wife would be filled with joy because of this baby. John would be great before the Lord, not given to strong drink or wine, and with a heart totally devoted to the Lord, filled with the Spirit from the womb. As a side note, what a miraculous demonstration of that fact that life begins at conception and that God can encounter and give promises to children in the womb!

No matter what you're going through, especially if you want a child, keep praying in faith! God hears your prayers!

Nothing brings greater joy than answered prayers.