I’m reading a book called The Life and the Times of the Messiah by Alfred Edersheim. In speaking about the announcements of the birth of John and Jesus, he writes:

“From the Temple to Nazareth! It seem indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice…In the Sanctuary, in connection with sacrifice, and through the priesthood–such was significantly the beginning of the era of fulfillment. And so the great religious reformation of Israel under Samuel had also begun in the Tabernacle, which had so long been in the background” (102).

I found this idea to be fascinating. The beginning of the new era where Israel’s Messiah would finally come to His people was birthed at a prayer meeting! As the passage in Luke says, one priest was chosen each year to offer the incense of prayer before the Lord in hopes that it would be accepted by Him.

In the midst of Zacharias being before the altar, the angel Gabriel appears before him and says that his prayers have been heard. Not only will his barren and aged wife, Elizabeth, have a child, but his people would finally see their Messiah. His son would be the herald, the forerunner, to prepare the people.

Hannah presented her baby Samuel to the Lord to serve Him for the rest of his days. He was to be the prophet who would lead the people and anoint their king: David. Elizabeth received word that she would have a son and he would be the forerunner of the true King of Israel. What are we doing?

The return of the Lord will only come when the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!” in unison (Rev. 22:17). As I stand in this little prayer room, and as believers from every nation lift their voices to the throne, we are preparing the way for the Lord to come. We are changing the atmosphere for a people who will arise in holiness and righteousness to welcome our Lord Jesus Christ back to this planet.

Whenever we go to pray, we are going to a waiting room. We just don’t know how long we have to wait.