A Promise Given
Once upon a time, a curious little girl named Leah lived in a small town nestled between the golden hills in Israel and among sparkling streams. Leah loved to explore the outdoors with her best friend Eli, especially the big hill in their town. Some grown-ups called it “The Shiny Hill” because it caught the sunlight and made everything on top glow.
One bright morning, Leah and Eli climbed The Shiny Hill with their picnic baskets and questions. “Why do the grown-ups always talk about this hill like something special happened here?” Eli asked, nibbling on an apple.
Leah shrugged. “Maybe there is something special about this place!”
Just then, Grandpa Simon walked by, leaning on his cane. “You know,” he said with a smile, “this hill is very special!” A long time ago, Jesus brought His friends right here. It was the last place they saw Him before He went up to Heaven.”
“Really?” Leah’s eyes sparkled. “What happened?”
“Well,” Grandpa Simon began, settling on a nearby rock, “After Jesus rose from the dead, he told His friends that everything written about Him had come true — that He had to suffer, die, and rise again on the third day. But he didn’t stop there. He gave them a big job. He said, ‘Tell the whole world what you’ve seen and share the message of forgiveness in my name.’”
Leah and Eli leaned in closer.
“Then, right on this very hill,” Grandpa Simon continued, “Jesus lifted His hands, blessed them all, and—just like that—He rose into the sky!”
“Into the sky?” Eli asked in awe. “Like a bird?”
“Even better,” said Grandpa Simon. “He was returning to Heaven, to be with His Father. But before He left, He promised something very special: that He would send His Holy Spirit to help them. So, His friends didn’t feel sad. They were filled with joy! They went back to the city and praised God every single day, waiting for the Spirit just like Jesus said.”
Leah looked up at the sky, imagining Jesus rising into the clouds. “Wow. That means He didn’t just go away—He gave His friends a job and a promise.”
“That’s right,” said Grandpa Simon. “And the promise is still for us. We can share His love and never be alone because the Holy Spirit is with us too.”
Leah and Eli smiled at each other. Suddenly, the Shiny Hill felt even shinier. From that day on, they didn’t just climb the hill for fun. They went to remember Jesus’ promise, His blessing, and their own special job—to live with joy and share His love with everyone they met.
Moral: Jesus blesses us, gives us a mission to share His love, and promises we’re never alone—His Spirit is always with us.
Inspired by Luke 24:46-53
