God’s Strengthening Word: Offering God Thanks and Praiseਨਮੂਨਾ

Introduction

2 Chronicles 5:1–14: King Solomon celebrates God’s faithfulness to the people of Israel by bringing the Covenant Box to the newly built Temple in Jerusalem. The priests carry it into the Most Holy Place, and God’s glory fills the Temple. You may wish to read 2 Chronicles 2:1—3:17 for a description of the building of the Temple in fulfillment of God’s promise to David (see 2 Samuel 7:12–13).

Today’s Key Verse: 2 Chronicles 5:13b GNT

They praised the LORD singing, “Praise the LORD, because he is good, And his love is eternal.”

Reflect

The Covenant Box was sacred to the people of Israel. What treasures did it hold? Are there objects in your community of faith that you consider sacred? How did God reveal his presence when the priests were leaving the Temple? You may wish to compare this description with Exodus 40:34–38. In what ways do you experience God’s presence in your life?

Pray

Lord God, I offer my heart as a dwelling place for your Spirit and a temple for your steadfast love. Reign in my heart forever. In your holy name, I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Ezra: 1:1–11: The Persian emperor allows the Jewish exiles to return home.