How can we emulate Hiram's recognition of God's work in our daily lives? Setting the scene 1 Kings 5:7: “When Hiram heard Solomon’s words, he rejoiced greatly and said, ‘Blessed be the LORD today! He has given David a wise son over this great people!’” A Gentile king hears of God’s plan for the temple and instantly bursts into praise. Hiram’s reflexive delight shows a heart tuned to recognize the Lord’s handiwork—even outside his own borders. Hiram’s response, step by step • He listened carefully to Solomon’s request. • He “rejoiced greatly” at what God was doing. • He spoke a public blessing: “Blessed be the LORD today!” • He credited God for Solomon’s wisdom and Israel’s prosperity. • He offered tangible help—cedar and craftsmen—to advance God’s purposes. Why this matters for us • Affirms God’s sovereignty wherever it appears (Psalm 118:23). • Strengthens fellow believers by spotlighting God’s faithfulness (Proverbs 3:6). • Serves as a testimony to outsiders that “every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). • Keeps our own hearts soft, grateful, and ready for obedience. Practical ways to emulate Hiram 1. Cultivate spiritual attentiveness • Start the day with Psalm 118:24—“This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” • Watch for God’s fingerprints in conversations, opportunities, and provision. 2. Celebrate out loud • When you recognize the Lord’s hand, speak it: “Blessed be the LORD today!” • Share testimonies with family, coworkers, and church—Romans 12:15 urges, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” 3. Give God the credit, not chance or luck • Echo Hiram’s wording: “He has given…” • Anchor your language in truth: “The LORD has done this for us” (Psalm 126:3). 4. Smile at another person’s blessing • Resist envy; choose gratitude that God still blesses His people. • Link this attitude to 1 Corinthians 12:26—when one part is honored, every part rejoices. 5. Join the work with your resources • Hiram sent lumber; you might send time, skills, or funds—2 Corinthians 9:7. • Hold possessions loosely, remembering 1 Chronicles 29:14, “Everything comes from You.” 6. Keep a running record of God’s interventions • End each evening noting three ways you saw His hand. • Review the list weekly; watch faith and gratitude grow. Daily checkpoints • Morning: affirm God’s authorship of the coming day. • Midday: verbalize at least one praise to someone else. • Evening: log concrete evidence of the Lord’s provision or guidance. • Weekly: invest a material gift—large or small—in a ministry or person God is using. Hiram’s quick praise, generous support, and open acknowledgment of the Lord offer a timeless template. By listening for God’s activity, celebrating it aloud, and joining it with willing hands, believers today can echo the same “Blessed be the LORD today!” that rang out from Tyre to Jerusalem. |
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