It was God’s will that the promised forerunner (see Isa. 40:1–5; Mal. 4:5–6) introduce the Redeemer to the nation of Israel. So, He moved Elizabeth and Zechariah to pray for a son, and John the Baptist was born. Before Jesus was born, godly people like Anna and Simeon were praying for the promised Messiah to come (see Luke 2:21–38), and God answered their prayers. “Whether we like it or not,” said Charles Spurgeon, “asking is the rule of the Kingdom.” Asking humbles us, but it also glorifies God.