Gabriel announces John's birth (Luke 1:14-17)

The angel did not announce that a prophecy was going to be fulfilled, that the forerunner was coming, or that Jesus was coming. He announced that their prayer request had been answered. It is amazing how many times I have read this passage thinking that the passage was only about the birth of John the Baptist. But there is something more to this passage. The angel did not come simply to announce that the forerunner’s birth, but to announce their prayer request or “petition” had been granted. The Greek word for “petition” is DEESIS. It means “urgent request.” This is not the normal word for prayer or petition. This word has a sense of urgency to it. Zacharias and Elizabeth had been urgently praying that God would give them a son. This was a holy couple urgently asking for a son. In James we read,

. . . The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. (NASB) James 5:16

God showered blessing upon blessing on Zacharias when He granted their petition while he was having a once in a lifetime experience in the Holy Place. God could have chosen some other time to send the angel, but He did not. God sent Gabriel (Luke 1:19) when Zacharias was having a lifelong wish fulfilled. God timed the announcement wonderfully. Did God also control the lot that selected Zacharias? It would be just like our loving God to do that in order to add blessing upon blessing. God is in the business of doing this for those who call upon His name. He answers the “petitions” of His righteous ones.

You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord; and he will drink no wine or liquor, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the sons of Israel back to the Lord their God. It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, TO TURN THE HEARTS OF THE FATHERS BACK TO THE CHILDREN, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (NASB) Luke 1:14-17

John will be a Nazarite and will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth. The restriction on drinking alcoholic beverages appears to mean that he would be a Nazarite. People who took a Nazarite vow did not drink alcoholic beverages and did not shave or cut their hair (Num. 6:1-5). The angel also announces that the Holy Spirit would dwell within John from his birth. This implies that John was dedicated to God throughout his life, starting at birth.

But the most stunning news to Zacharias would be that not only will he have a son, but that his son will be the one who announces the coming of the Messiah. The angel quotes Malachi 4:5-6.

Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.” (NASB) Mal. 4:5-6

Conclusion. There are Christians who have funny views about God. They believe that God is all sweetness and sugar and does not mean what He says. If God says that He honors the urgent, energetic prayer of a holy man, it implies that He does not answer the prayer of an unrepentant man or woman who is living for himself/herself. One who loves Jesus seeks to be holy even as He is holy (1 Pet. 1:16).

Have you ever had an urgent request of the Lord? This couple did, and God granted their request because they were righteous. God honors the urgent prayer of righteous men and women. He always does! When God does, He sometimes adds blessing upon blessing. The key is a love for Him and holiness in life. Today there are some who say that God does not grant our requests because we lack faith. But God says the problem may be in your lifestyle. Is there holiness in your life or are you living for yourself? Is your desire to please a holy God? The effective prayer of a holy man is needed. Be holy as He is holy!

Have you asked, “Why did God give Zacharias and Elizabeth this son?” “Why was John born to an older couple and not a young woman such as Mary?” There is only one answer. God loved them greatly and deeply wanted to bless them.

Wow, what a thrill and what a God! God is the giver of great gifts. He answers the urgent request of a righteous couple at a great moment in Zacharias’ life and grants him the birth of a son whose ministry would be like Elijah's. God is the giver of great gifts - not just a giver of good gifts, or of gifts. This was blessing upon blessing. God’s greatest gift was, “I love you, Zach and Liz!”