Narrative Lectionary 640 (NL408): Solomon's Temple - October 26, 2025

Working Preacher's Narrative Lectionary

Join Rolf Jacobson, Kathryn Schifferdecker, and Craig Koester on "I Love to Tell the Story" as they explore the narrative lectionary reading for October 26th, focusing on the building of Solomon's Temple from 1 Kings 8:1-13.

In this episode, the hosts discuss the transition from King David's reign to his son Solomon, who fulfills David's vision of building a permanent temple for worship. They examine how the temple serves as a central place where God's presence is "intensified" while not confining God to a single location - similar to how we understand the sacraments today.

Key topics covered: * The significance of the Ark of the Covenant and the stone tablets at the temple's heart * How the covenant relationship ("I will be your God, you will be my people") remains central to worship * The connection between this reading and Reformation Sunday * Personal reflections on visiting St. Peter's Basilica and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher * The importance of communal worship versus privatized religion * How sacred spaces connect us to the communion of saints across centuries

The hosts bring their expertise from Luther Seminary to illuminate how this ancient story speaks to contemporary questions about worship, community, and God's presence among us.

🎧 Listen now and equip yourself for your preaching journey! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with fellow preachers.

🔗 Find more episodes and resources here: https://www.workingpreacher.org/.

Follow along with the commentary on 1 Kings 5:1-5; 8:1-13 written by Amy G. Oden at https://www.workingpreacher.org/commentaries/narrative-lectionary/solomons-temple-2/commentary-on-1-kings-51-5-81-13-4.

Watch this episode on YouTube at https://youtu.be/lDjDrts7gYU.

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