Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Overview:Preparing, in a biblical context, refers to the act of making ready or being made ready for a particular purpose or event. This concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, where preparation is often linked to spiritual readiness, divine intervention, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Old Testament Context: In the Old Testament, preparation is frequently associated with the worship of God and the observance of His commandments. For instance, the Israelites were instructed to prepare for the Sabbath by gathering twice as much manna on the sixth day (Exodus 16:5). This preparation was a physical act that symbolized obedience and trust in God's provision. The concept of preparing is also evident in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple, where meticulous preparations were made to ensure that these sacred spaces were suitable for the presence of God. In 1 Chronicles 22:5, David says, "Solomon my son is young and inexperienced, and the house to be built for the LORD must be exceedingly magnificent, famous and glorious throughout all lands. Therefore I will make preparations for it." Thus, David made extensive preparations before his death to ensure that Solomon could build the Temple. New Testament Context: In the New Testament, preparation takes on a more spiritual dimension, emphasizing readiness for the coming of Christ. John the Baptist is a central figure in this regard, as he was sent to prepare the way for Jesus. In Matthew 3:3, it is written, "This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: 'A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for Him.’" Jesus Himself spoke of the importance of being prepared for His return. In the parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1-13), Jesus illustrates the necessity of spiritual readiness, warning that those who are not prepared will be left out of the kingdom of heaven. The wise virgins took oil in jars along with their lamps, while the foolish ones did not, highlighting the importance of being prepared for the bridegroom's arrival. Theological Significance: Preparation in the Bible often signifies a state of spiritual alertness and anticipation of God's work. It involves both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Believers are called to prepare their hearts and lives for God's purposes, as seen in Proverbs 16:1, "The plans of the heart belong to man, but the reply of the tongue is from the LORD." Moreover, preparation is linked to the concept of sanctification, where believers are urged to prepare themselves for holy living. In 1 Peter 1:13, the apostle Peter exhorts, "Therefore prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Practical Application: For Christians today, preparing involves both spiritual and practical dimensions. Spiritually, it means cultivating a relationship with God through prayer, study of the Scriptures, and living a life that reflects Christ's teachings. Practically, it involves being ready to serve others, share the gospel, and live out one's faith in everyday situations. Preparation is also seen in the context of life's transitions and challenges, where believers are encouraged to trust in God's timing and provision. As Proverbs 21:31 states, "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but victory belongs to the LORD." This verse underscores the balance between human effort and reliance on God's ultimate control and victory. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Prepare.Greek 2676. katartisis -- a preparing, an equipping ... a preparing, an equipping. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: katartisis Phonetic Spelling: (kat-ar'-tis-is) Short Definition: a perfecting ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2676.htm - 6k 2677. katartismos -- a preparing, an equipping 3804. pathema -- that which befalls one, ie a suffering, a passion 42. hagiosune -- holiness Strong's Hebrew 6213a. asah -- do, make... the made (1), performs (3), practice (9), practice* (1), practiced (4), practices (6), practicing (1), prepare (26), prepared (19), preparing (2), present (5 ... /hebrew/6213a.htm - 8k 4841. merqachah -- an ointment pot Library March the Third Preparing for the Bride One Worker Preparing for Another The Old Faith Preparing for the New - Development of Hellenist ... April the Twenty-Eighth Preparing for Great Encounters July the Twelfth Preparing his Servants The Emperor Preparing an Expedition against the Persians, Arrives ... Preparing to Depart Care in Preparing this Work. Fragment xi. The Business of the Christian is Nothing Else than to ... John on the Same Passage. Thesaurus Preparing (25 Occurrences)...Preparing (25 Occurrences). ... Luke 9:33 And when they were preparing to depart from Him, Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, we are thankful to you that we are here. ... /p/preparing.htm - 13k Mealtime (1 Occurrence) Meal-time (1 Occurrence) Meals (8 Occurrences) Great (10383 Occurrences) Trance (7 Occurrences) Prepareth (21 Occurrences) Alexander (5 Occurrences) Kettle (2 Occurrences) Unusually (1 Occurrence) Resources What is a good process for preparing a sermon? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is homiletics? | GotQuestions.org How can I prepare myself for marriage? | GotQuestions.org Preparing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Preparing (25 Occurrences)Matthew 4:21 Mark 1:19 Luke 9:33 Luke 14:16 John 19:40 Acts 10:10 Acts 25:3 2 Corinthians 4:17 1 Peter 3:20 Genesis 1:1 Genesis 5:1 1 Chronicles 9:32 Nehemiah 13:7 Psalms 9:7 Psalms 147:8 Proverbs 8:27 Proverbs 16:27 Isaiah 42:5 Isaiah 45:7 Jeremiah 18:11 Ezekiel 24:10 Ezekiel 39:17 Ezekiel 39:19 Amos 7:1 Malachi 4:3 Subtopics Related Terms |
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