Easter Sunrise – April 5, 2026
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, 
and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.’” 
- Exodus 14:13a -
The Salvation of the Lord
We begin Easter Sunday with the story of the Hebrews escaping Egypt. As they approached the Red Sea, they realized that Pharaoh had changed his mind. They had nowhere to go. They couldn’t go into the sea, and they couldn’t return to Egypt; the only outcome for both possibilities was death. The people were afraid. They argued with Moses. Though they wanted to escape the heavy hand of the Egyptians, God’s plan was frightening because it was not what they expected.
Imagine how the disciples were feeling after Jesus died on the cross. They did not know what would come next. Despite Jesus’ repeated assurances, they did not know what to do. Danger surrounded them. They couldn’t move forward and they couldn’t go back. Their lives had changed, but now it seemed like it was over. They scattered. Some returned to the upper room, but others went into hiding or went home. God’s plan was frightening because it was not what they expected. 
God gave the words of hope to Moses: “Don’t be afraid and watch what God can do.” Moses raised his staff, the sea parted before them, and they ran for their lives. The Egyptians followed, but when the last Hebrew was safely on the far shore, Moses raised his staff and the sea closed again. By the power of God, they were saved.
The disciples waited, worried, and wondered. They grieved. They were angry and confused. How could it turn so wrong? Some thought about going home. But God said, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.” Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus, but His body was gone. We know He had been raised, but they did not. Jesus’ disciples were not rejoicing. The women were afraid. Mary wept. They were confused. They did not understand what was happening. Then Jesus began appearing to them. He showed them, one by one, that the promise was fulfilled. The sea was parted and those who believed in Him came out on the other side.
Easter Sunrise – April 5, 2026
“And Moses said to the people, ‘Fear not, stand firm, 
and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today.’” 
- Exodus 14:13a -
The Salvation of the Lord
We begin Easter Sunday with the story of the Hebrews escaping Egypt. As they approached the Red Sea, they realized that Pharaoh had changed his mind. They had nowhere to go. They couldn’t go into the sea, and they couldn’t return to Egypt; the only outcome for both possibilities was death. The people were afraid. They argued with Moses. Though they wanted to escape the heavy hand of the Egyptians, God’s plan was frightening because it was not what they expected.
Imagine how the disciples were feeling after Jesus died on the cross. They did not know what would come next. Despite Jesus’ repeated assurances, they did not know what to do. Danger surrounded them. They couldn’t move forward and they couldn’t go back. Their lives had changed, but now it seemed like it was over. They scattered. Some returned to the upper room, but others went into hiding or went home. God’s plan was frightening because it was not what they expected. 
God gave the words of hope to Moses: “Don’t be afraid and watch what God can do.” Moses raised his staff, the sea parted before them, and they ran for their lives. The Egyptians followed, but when the last Hebrew was safely on the far shore, Moses raised his staff and the sea closed again. By the power of God, they were saved.
The disciples waited, worried, and wondered. They grieved. They were angry and confused. How could it turn so wrong? Some thought about going home. But God said, “Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.” Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb to anoint Jesus, but His body was gone. We know He had been raised, but they did not. Jesus’ disciples were not rejoicing. The women were afraid. Mary wept. They were confused. They did not understand what was happening. Then Jesus began appearing to them. He showed them, one by one, that the promise was fulfilled. The sea was parted and those who believed in Him came out on the other side.