1 Kings 5 & 6: Finished It
Verse of the Day: (6:14) So Solomon built the house, and finished it.

1. Father (5:1-18)
And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants unto Solomon; for he had heard that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: for Hiram was ever a lover of David. (5:1)

Behind every successful man is a great father. King Solomon managed to build and even finish the house of God in 7 years, because his predecessor, King David, his father, not only encouraged and prepared the design and building materials, but he also had friends like Hiram, King of Tyre, who supported his construction. (1 Chronicles 28:10-21) Hiram generously provided Solomon with cedar and fir trees from Lebanon for the construction in return for the yearly supply of 20,000 measures of wheat, 20 measures of pure oil and 30,000 labour force from Israel. Indeed, how good and pleasant it is for our loved ones and fellow churches to dwell together in unity and harmony for God’s glory. (Psalms 133)

2. Finish (6:1-35)
And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house: also the whole altar that was by the oracle he overlaid with gold. (6:22)

Though David had a great part in the successful completion of the house of God, yet Solomon was also conscientious and diligent in making sure that every detail of the construction was according to God’s instructions. Before God’s Word, the Bible, was written and completed, God spoke to His people, just like He spoke to Solomon, and gave him specific measurements as to the construction of His house, and in particular, His altar. Almost everything of the building was to be overlaid with gold. In fact, they must get all the construction stones ready in exact size before bringing them into the construction site, so that there shall be no sound of hammer, axe or any iron tool in the site. Indeed, let us give our best to God, as He has given His best to us, when He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for the sins of the whole world, yours and mine. (John 3:16)

3. Foundation (6:36-38)
In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of the LORD laid, in the month Zif: (6:37)

Every building is as strong as the foundation. If the foundation is weak, then when an earthquake comes, the building may collapse. Solomon built a strong and deep foundation so that the house of God could stand sure amid any turbulence. By God’s grace, He took 7 years to finish it, as he started on the 4th year building the foundation and completing it on the 11th year. Indeed, let us build our faith on the foundation of God that is sure, so that we shall not be moved when crises come our ways. (2 Timothy 2:19)

Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to start and finish well my Christian life journey.