Day 162

1 Kings 8:1-66; Acts 7:51–8:13; Psalm 129:1-8; Proverbs 17:1

MONUMENTAL THINGS HAPPENED within our reading today in both Old and New Testaments. First, we witnessed the pageantry and celebration at the dedication of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Ark of the Covenant that had traveled so far with the children of Israel was installed in the Most Holy Place within the Temple, and the presence of God descended in a thick cloud. Then King Solomon prayed words of praise and dedication. He beseeched the Lord that whenever prayers were prayed toward the Temple, the Lord might hear and answer His people and be merciful. The king then spoke a blessing over the people of Israel:

Praise the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.

The priests offered a multitude of sacrifices to initiate the functions of the Temple, and for the next two weeks, the people observed the dedication of the Temple and celebrated the Festival of Shelters.

As we enter this territory in 1 Kings, we are observing the commencement of the pinnacle of ancient Israel’s existence and culture. The journey we’ve taken, going all the way back to Abraham, climaxed in the dedication of the Temple and the early reign of Solomon.

In the book of Acts today, we also experienced something monumental —the first recorded martyrdom because of the name of Jesus. Stephen’s concluding statements connecting Jesus to the ancient Hebrew story and his suggestion of the people’s culpability in Jesus’ death enraged those listening. They covered their ears to blot him out and screeched at him as he was dragged out of the city and stoned to death.

The rage aimed at Stephen then turned outward toward any believer in Jesus residing in Jerusalem, and people were dragged from their homes. The Pharisee Saul was a ringleader in this outbreak of persecution, but his attempts to stamp out the name of Jesus had the opposite effect. As people fled persecution, the gospel went with them.

The Good News spread all over the world from this point, and we are fortunate recipients. However, there are many within our spheres of influence who have never accepted the good news of eternal life through Jesus. The Good News that progressed forward because of the blood of martyrs like Stephen is an ongoing work in the world, and we are to be participants, not just recipients. Who do you care about who is lost and floundering in life? Why wait to bring them Good News?

MEDITATION:

Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting —and conflict.