Day 162 · June 9
Kids Corner — Day 162
1 Kings 8:1–66 · Acts 7:51–8:13 · Psalm 129:1–8 · Proverbs 17:1
Today’s story
The ark enters the Temple and God’s glory fills the house. Solomon prays toward heaven, knowing that even the highest heavens cannot contain God.
Stephen confronts resistance to the Holy Spirit and sees Jesus standing at God’s right hand before he is killed. Persecution scatters believers - and the gospel travels with them.
Affliction does not get the final word; the LORD is righteous.
Peace in a home is better than abundance with strife.
The story in children’s words
The priests carried the ark of God's covenant into the most holy place of the new temple, under the wings of the cherubim. Inside the ark were only the two stone tablets Moses had put there. Then a cloud filled the house, and God's glory was so great that the priests could not stand to serve. Solomon spread out his hands and prayed for all the people. He asked God to hear everyone who prayed toward this house, to forgive sins, and to listen even to strangers who came from far away. The feast lasted fourteen days, and the people went home joyful for all God's goodness. In Jerusalem, Stephen told the rulers they were resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their fathers had hurt the prophets who promised the Righteous One would come. They stoned Stephen, but he saw heaven opened and Jesus standing at God's right hand. He prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and, "Do not hold this sin against them." Then believers were scattered, and everywhere they went they preached the word, and Philip brought great joy to Samaria with the good news of Jesus.
It points to Jesus
The glory that filled Solomon’s Temple prepares us to understand God dwelling with His people. Stephen sees the risen Jesus in heavenly glory.
Talk about it
Share one place in today’s reading where you saw Jesus more clearly. Then discuss the reflection question together.