What role does preparation play in fulfilling God's plans, as seen in 1 Kings 5:2? The Context of 1 Kings 5:2 “ And Solomon sent word back to Hiram:” • God had already promised David a son who would build the temple (2 Samuel 7:12-13). • Solomon is now acting on that promise by opening negotiations with King Hiram of Tyre for timber and craftsmen. • The single sentence in verse 2 signals the beginning of months of detailed preparations that precede the construction of God’s house. Preparation Anchored in Divine Promise • God’s Word always leads; human preparation follows. • Solomon’s initiative rests on the prophecy given to David (1 Kings 5:5). • When God speaks, wise believers move to arrange resources, people, and schedules in line with what He has said (James 2:20-22). Preparation Requires Diligent Planning • Solomon drafts labor crews (1 Kings 5:13-16) and arranges supply chains (5:9). • Similar diligence is modeled by Noah gathering materials for the ark (Genesis 6:14-22) and by Moses following the tabernacle blueprint “exactly as you are shown” (Exodus 25:9). • Proverbs 21:5 warns that “the plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance,” pointing to the moral duty of careful forethought. Preparation Showcases Partnership and Unity • Hiram’s craftsmen join Solomon’s workers, illustrating that God often uses alliances to accomplish His purposes. • Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 highlights the strength of cooperation; preparation multiplies effectiveness when believers work together. Preparation Invites God’s Provision • Cedars of Lebanon, iron tools, and skilled artisans are beyond Israel’s borders, yet God supplies them through Hiram. • Philippians 4:19—“my God will supply all your needs”—is lived out through the logistics Solomon arranges. Preparation Demonstrates Faith in Action • True faith is never passive; it “prepares the horse for the day of battle” even while knowing “victory belongs to the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31). • Luke 14:28 underscores counting the cost before building; Solomon’s correspondence with Hiram is a direct application. Preparation and Our Walk Today • We are “created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand” (Ephesians 2:10). • Personal application steps: – Seek God’s promise in Scripture before setting plans. – Outline concrete actions—budget, timetable, resources. – Collaborate with others in the body of Christ. – Trust God to open doors and supply what diligence alone cannot. • 1 Peter 1:13 sums it up: “Therefore prepare your minds for action, be sober-minded; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you.” |
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