“Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him.” – Luke 1:11-12
God’s timing is never random, and Luke chapter 1 shows us how He broke centuries of silence to answer the prayer of Zacharias and Elizabeth. Scripture records the angel’s words: “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard” (Luke 1:13). In that sacred moment at the altar of incense, something happened that no other priest had ever experienced—the angel of the Lord appeared. Was it coincidence that the lot fell on Zacharias that day? Not at all. It was divine appointment. For four hundred years God had not spoken through prophets or priests, but now, just before Christ would step onto the scene, He spoke again.
Zacharias trembled in fear, but the angel reassured him that Elizabeth would bear a son, and his name would be John, meaning “Jehovah has shown grace.” God was declaring that His influence was coming to sanctify and prepare hearts, and He chose this moment to reveal it. John would be set apart, filled with the Holy Spirit even from the womb, reminiscent of Jeremiah’s call: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Though John appeared wild to the world—clothed in camel’s hair, eating locusts and honey—he was great in the sight of the Lord. Just as Elijah stood boldly for God’s Word, John would carry that same spirit and power to prepare the way for Christ, fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 4:5–6.
Zacharias and Elizabeth could have given up their devotion to the Lord, but they remained faithful, serving God not for what they might receive but because they loved Him. Their obedience positioned them for extraordinary revelation. Will we continue to serve when heaven feels silent, or will we turn aside and try to force our own way? God’s answers meet our personal needs while also fulfilling His greater plan. Stay faithful, because the moment you least expect may be the moment God speaks—and when He does, His blessing to us will also bring Him glory.
“The angel assures him that his prayer was heard, not only for the coming of the Messiah, but for a son to be born to him; which shows that God sometimes delays, yet never forgets the petitions of His people, but answers them in His own time, and in His own way.” – John Gill
surrendered devotions 