11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth,15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.16 He will bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”
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Why does the angel tell Zechariah that His prayer has been heard? God knows that we need to be reminded that Our Father in heaven hears our prayers, even when we do not see the results on our timetable. Father thank you that you hear our prayers and answer them according to what is best for us and the work of your Kingdom. Father thank you for saving me!
The Bible doesn't specify what Zechariah was praying for, yet God knew and answered his prayer, enabling Elizabeth to conceive a son. How amazing to think that this baby was filled with the Holy Spirit even before birth! This reveals the immense value and capacity of an unborn child in God's eyes and the purpose and destiny of that child in God's magnificent plan.
In my work, I often write materials for children. Others may think that these projects are rather inconsequential compared to other projects tjat I write for adults; yet in God's eyes, these might be among the most important things I can ever do in my entire life (along with raising my own kids) -- helping to…
In Christian history we tend to overlook the grand significance of John, who proclaimed to us Jesus as the Son of God. John also proclaimed Baptism. Multitudes received it and went forth believing it before Christ was baptized. One of these was Apollos, a highly educated Jew from Egypt who was later converted to Christianity and became an important companion to Paul.
I believe this great supernatural work of the Spirit is breaking through in our day- the turning of hearts to unite generations in Christ, to recover a whole generation of the young and set their hearts on fire for Christ. He is making us ready for our Bridegroom/ King. Jesus is not going to be unequally yoked.