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April 5 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 95

We're building the temple today.  I found a video that may help you visualize what you're reading about the temple's construction.  It's not a Bible Project video, but it is a reading of 1 Kings 5-7 depicting the sizes of each area accordingly.

Let me know what you think about the video.



DAILY READINGS

1 Kings 4-7 & Psalm 95

DAILY NOTES

1 Kings 4

  • Notice that Solomon has an organized kingdom.  There is peace among the people and within the land.  The people "were as numerous as the sand by the sea; they ate and drank were happy."  Things were good!
  • Of course, the wisdom of Solomon is highlighted once again.  It is assumed that, since God gave Solomon his wisdom, God is the source of the peace and prosperity of the people.
1 Kings 5
  • Solomon makes a treaty with King Hiram.  Hiram commits to provide wood and labor for Solomon to build the temple of God.  Solomon puts together a work force and labor begins.
1 Kings 6-7
  • You may not know what a cubit is, but just know that what's being described is a magnificent structure inside and out.
Psalm 95
  • The psalmist tells us to worship God with a joyful noise.  But our worship isn't just what we sing or even how we sing.  Worship is recognizing who God is and, consequently, listening to his voice (do not harden your hearts).  In other words, obedience!

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

We can't talk about Solomon's temple without talking about God's timing.

You remember when David wanted to build this house for God, right?  If he had, it probably would have been a fine piece of architecture.  The impression I think we're supposed to get with Solomon's temple, however, is that it is beyond fine.

What was the difference?  You could say Solomon was more creative, but the designs were probably pulled from an ancient source that both men could have used.  Was Solomon more prepared.  Well, in some way, yes.

David couldn't have devoted the time and resources that Solomon was able to provide.  That's because David had battles to face, for the benefit of himself and the kingdom.

What it comes down to is that David recognized God's timing for the project meant he would have to wait.  It takes faith to wait on God.  It takes faith to be obedient, too.  As we look at what Solomon was able to accomplish we can't help but consider that David was a part of this project in some way.  His faithfulness (patience) helped created the current climate of peace and prosperity that paved the way for the temple's construction.

Has God asked you to wait lately?  Having trouble with that?  Hang on because you don't know how your faithfulness might be preparing something great!

Stay blessed...john
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