The ark comes home, the glory cloud fills the temple, and Solomon, mid-dedication, asks the question that hangs over all Scripture: but will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain You. How much less this temple I have built!

Today, as Solomon prays and Stephen sees heaven opened, hold the wonder: the uncontainable God keeps choosing to come near.

Solomon's question got its truest answer a thousand years later in a manger: will God really dwell on earth? He did, the Word made flesh, and then nearer still, by the Spirit, in His people. The glory that once filled a building now fills believers, which is why Stephen, dying, could see straight into the throne room.

And notice Jesus standing, not seated, rising to honor His first martyr, receiving his spirit, while Stephen prayed Calvary's own prayer over his killers, one of whom was Saul. Forgiveness like that plants seeds in persecutors. Whatever scattered or wounded you, preach where you land, forgive who you can, and trust the standing Lord to be watching.