In the opening scene of Luke’s Gospel, Zacharias is ministering to the Lord in a setting of corporate prayer. As Zacharias serves, the second mention of prayer occurs. The angel Gabriel appears to Zacharias and announces that he and his wife Elizabeth will have a son. The angel says, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son…” (1:13). Gabriel is there in answer to Zacharias’ prayer.
Zacharias is incredulous. He cannot bring himself to believe what he is hearing. Gabriel identifies himself by name, and as one “who stands in the presence of God” (1:19). What an awesome privilege for Gabriel.
Until pondering this passage for this article, I had blithely ignored Gabriel’s statement that he had been sent by God to deliver this news to Zacharias. What was involved in sending him from the presence of God to the altar of incense in the temple at Jerusalem? God is not bound or confined by time or space. What gulf did Gabriel cross to come to Zacharias? Were time and distance involved? My mind boggles at the potential realities behind this simple statement: “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news” (1:19).
Whatever the answers are to these speculative questions, one answer is clear: In God’s timing, prayer brought him. God goes to great lengths to answer prayer. This should encourage us. There is no barrier that God cannot cross in order to deliver an answer to prayer.
Luke begins his Gospel record with two aspects of prayer prominently reported: People are praying, God is hearing and answering. Are you praying? Let’s not forfeit the privilege of prayer through neglect.
