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.
Easter Day – April 5, 2026
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; 
go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’” 
- Matthew 28:10 -
Do Not Be Afraid
We experience the joy and peace of the Resurrection of Jesus with twenty-twenty vision. The revelation of Jesus and the truth of His teachings were not revealed to us suddenly. We wonder how they didn’t know. We wonder why they were afraid. We have seen the end of the story, we know God’s work of salvation was fulfilled in Jesus. They didn’t have the same perspective. They lived the horror of the crucifixion and despite Jesus’ promises, never expected the events of Easter Sunday. They did not know what would happen next. 
Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb to take care of Jesus’ body. A great earthquake shook the earth, and they discovered the tomb was empty. An angel told them not to be afraid. I don’t know about you, but those words rarely have the intended effect. The women had reason to be afraid: an earthquake, an angel, and no body. The angel told them to go tell the disciples that He had risen. They departed with fear and great joy. Then Jesus appeared before them and said, “Greetings!” They fell at His feet and worshipped Him. Now, more than ever, you might think that they would let go of the fear. Jesus was alive and standing before them, but He knew this was more than they could bear. “Do not be afraid. Go and tell the good news.” Jesus gave them peace to do what they were called to do. Jesus comes to us in the same way: to give us courage to go and tell His story despite our fear.
The empty tomb was a sign that God did something amazing with Jesus, but everything became clear as Jesus appeared to the witnesses. Their stories make it clear to us today. We look back and see God’s work finished in Jesus, and experience peace that we could never know without Him. Peace of heart. Peace with God. Peace that changes the world. We are now called to join with the first witnesses in sharing that peace, preaching that Christ died but was raised by the God who keeps His promises. 

Easter Day – April 5, 2026
“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; 
go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee, and there they will see me.’” 
- Matthew 28:10 -
Do Not Be Afraid
We experience the joy and peace of the Resurrection of Jesus with twenty-twenty vision. The revelation of Jesus and the truth of His teachings were not revealed to us suddenly. We wonder how they didn’t know. We wonder why they were afraid. We have seen the end of the story, we know God’s work of salvation was fulfilled in Jesus. They didn’t have the same perspective. They lived the horror of the crucifixion and despite Jesus’ promises, never expected the events of Easter Sunday. They did not know what would happen next. 
Early in the morning on the first day of the week, the women went to the tomb to take care of Jesus’ body. A great earthquake shook the earth, and they discovered the tomb was empty. An angel told them not to be afraid. I don’t know about you, but those words rarely have the intended effect. The women had reason to be afraid: an earthquake, an angel, and no body. The angel told them to go tell the disciples that He had risen. They departed with fear and great joy. Then Jesus appeared before them and said, “Greetings!” They fell at His feet and worshipped Him. Now, more than ever, you might think that they would let go of the fear. Jesus was alive and standing before them, but He knew this was more than they could bear. “Do not be afraid. Go and tell the good news.” Jesus gave them peace to do what they were called to do. Jesus comes to us in the same way: to give us courage to go and tell His story despite our fear.
The empty tomb was a sign that God did something amazing with Jesus, but everything became clear as Jesus appeared to the witnesses. Their stories make it clear to us today. We look back and see God’s work finished in Jesus, and experience peace that we could never know without Him. Peace of heart. Peace with God. Peace that changes the world. We are now called to join with the first witnesses in sharing that peace, preaching that Christ died but was raised by the God who keeps His promises. 

Second Sunday of Easter – April 12, 2026
““Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, 
was not with them when Jesus came.” 
- John 20:24 -
My Lord and My God
Has anyone ever told you a story that made you say, “Wow, I wish I had been there!”? You don’t just want to hear about it; you want to experience what they experienced. I’m sure Thomas felt the same way. It is easier to doubt than to believe. The other disciples surely had their own doubts, questioning everything, trying to understand. They heard Jesus talk about suffering and death, but they did not believe it could happen to Him. They knew He raised people from the dead, but they didn’t imagine that He would be raised, too. 
This story of Thomas begins on Easter when Jesus first appeared before the disciples. They were sad, grieving, confused, doubtful, and afraid. Their attitude changed when they saw Jesus. Their tears turned to laughter. Can you imagine walking into a room full of laughing disciples when all you can think of is your dead Master? Thomas must have thought they were crazy. “How can you be laughing at a time like this?”
We pick on Thomas, but can we really blame him? It is possible that he had not even heard Jesus had been raised. Thomas’ doubt does not suggest a lack of trust or love; he was still feeling the sadness of Good Friday. The disciples were given an incredible gift: peace and forgiveness. They would not have believed without the power Jesus gave them when He breathed on them. Thomas needed the breath of Jesus, too. He did not believe until Jesus gave him the Spirit that He had given to them all. Then confessing Thomas responded with faith by saying, “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus gives us the same gift. He comes to us and says, “Be at peace. Trust in me and trust in my Father. His promises are true, and He is faithful. Whatever you face, do so with faith, knowing that everything is already finished. Live in the forgiveness I have obtained for you and take it out the door into the world for others.” This is the life we are called to live, possible only by God’s grace.

Second Sunday of Easter – April 12, 2026
““Now Thomas, one of the twelve, called the Twin, 
was not with them when Jesus came.” 
- John 20:24 -
My Lord and My God
Has anyone ever told you a story that made you say, “Wow, I wish I had been there!”? You don’t just want to hear about it; you want to experience what they experienced. I’m sure Thomas felt the same way. It is easier to doubt than to believe. The other disciples surely had their own doubts, questioning everything, trying to understand. They heard Jesus talk about suffering and death, but they did not believe it could happen to Him. They knew He raised people from the dead, but they didn’t imagine that He would be raised, too. 
This story of Thomas begins on Easter when Jesus first appeared before the disciples. They were sad, grieving, confused, doubtful, and afraid. Their attitude changed when they saw Jesus. Their tears turned to laughter. Can you imagine walking into a room full of laughing disciples when all you can think of is your dead Master? Thomas must have thought they were crazy. “How can you be laughing at a time like this?”
We pick on Thomas, but can we really blame him? It is possible that he had not even heard Jesus had been raised. Thomas’ doubt does not suggest a lack of trust or love; he was still feeling the sadness of Good Friday. The disciples were given an incredible gift: peace and forgiveness. They would not have believed without the power Jesus gave them when He breathed on them. Thomas needed the breath of Jesus, too. He did not believe until Jesus gave him the Spirit that He had given to them all. Then confessing Thomas responded with faith by saying, “My Lord and my God.”
Jesus gives us the same gift. He comes to us and says, “Be at peace. Trust in me and trust in my Father. His promises are true, and He is faithful. Whatever you face, do so with faith, knowing that everything is already finished. Live in the forgiveness I have obtained for you and take it out the door into the world for others.” This is the life we are called to live, possible only by God’s grace.

Third Sunday of Easter – April 19, 2026
“And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” 
- Luke 24:31a -
Putting the Pieces Together
There is a story about a father that wanted to give his child something to do. He took a map of the U.S. out of the newspaper and tore it into pieces to see if his child could put the map back together. A few minutes later the child returned with it all taped back together. The father was amazed. “How did you do that so fast?” The child turned the page over. One the back was a picture of Jesus. “I just put Jesus together and everything fit into place.”
Ask any youth minister and they will tell you that Jesus is always the answer. It doesn’t matter what question you ask, the kids will always say “Jesus.” And they are right. Jesus is the answer. The problem is that sometimes we don’t know how to put all the pieces together. We don’t always recognize the presence of God in our ordinary circumstances. 
Two disciples were walking to Emmaus on the evening after the Resurrection, discussing the events surrounding Jesus’ death when a stranger joined them. They did not recognize that it was Jesus, and they were shocked to hear that He hadn’t heard what happened in Jerusalem. When they told him, Jesus put all the pieces of the puzzle together as He showed them the truth from the Bible. They wanted to know more, so invited Him to stay with them. Jesus broke the bread and then they saw Him. 
This is the pattern of worship that Jesus established for our lives of faith. It was not until Jesus put the pieces together that they could see Him clearly. Jesus commanded us to “Do this in remembrance of me,” because in the Word and Sacraments He reveals Himself to us again and again. We learn about how Jesus came to do so much for us as we hear the scriptures read and preached, and we experience the fulfillment of His promises in the water, bread, and wine of the Sacraments. Just like the two disciples from Emmaus, we are called to take what we have seen and experienced so that Jesus can put the pieces together for them, too.

Third Sunday of Easter – April 19, 2026
“And their eyes were opened, and they recognized him.” 
- Luke 24:31a -
Putting the Pieces Together
There is a story about a father that wanted to give his child something to do. He took a map of the U.S. out of the newspaper and tore it into pieces to see if his child could put the map back together. A few minutes later the child returned with it all taped back together. The father was amazed. “How did you do that so fast?” The child turned the page over. One the back was a picture of Jesus. “I just put Jesus together and everything fit into place.”
Ask any youth minister and they will tell you that Jesus is always the answer. It doesn’t matter what question you ask, the kids will always say “Jesus.” And they are right. Jesus is the answer. The problem is that sometimes we don’t know how to put all the pieces together. We don’t always recognize the presence of God in our ordinary circumstances. 
Two disciples were walking to Emmaus on the evening after the Resurrection, discussing the events surrounding Jesus’ death when a stranger joined them. They did not recognize that it was Jesus, and they were shocked to hear that He hadn’t heard what happened in Jerusalem. When they told him, Jesus put all the pieces of the puzzle together as He showed them the truth from the Bible. They wanted to know more, so invited Him to stay with them. Jesus broke the bread and then they saw Him. 
This is the pattern of worship that Jesus established for our lives of faith. It was not until Jesus put the pieces together that they could see Him clearly. Jesus commanded us to “Do this in remembrance of me,” because in the Word and Sacraments He reveals Himself to us again and again. We learn about how Jesus came to do so much for us as we hear the scriptures read and preached, and we experience the fulfillment of His promises in the water, bread, and wine of the Sacraments. Just like the two disciples from Emmaus, we are called to take what we have seen and experienced so that Jesus can put the pieces together for them, too.

Fourth Sunday of Easter – April 26, 2026
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, 
to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” 
- Acts 2:42 -
He Gathers His Flock Together
The fourth Sunday of Easter is always Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel lesson is always a passage from John 10, covering the whole chapter in the three year lectionary. In this year’s text, Jesus tells us that He is the gate and the gatekeeper, the only way to salvation. He promises to lay down His life for His sheep. He provides proof of His authority to be the Good Shepherd. His sheep are those who believe; they’ve been given to Him by His Father. 
God purposely chose the image of a shepherd throughout the scriptures to describe God’s relationship with His people. Psalm 23 shows a personal relationship with the Good Shepherd, but we are reminded by Jesus’ ministry that the shepherd doesn’t lead just one animal; he cares for many. He doesn’t have a hundred individual sheep to lead; he has a flock. He knows every sheep and calls each by name, but the shepherd’s world is in community. The lessons in John 10 teach us that the Church is the community that the Good Shepherd leads, and we are Jesus’ flock. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we live together without fear and walk together in faith knowing that God is with us. 
The community described by Luke in the book of Acts shared everything in common, taking care of one another with their own possessions. They shared God’s grace, in every way. They met daily for prayer and study and gathered often for worship and fellowship. They did all this with joy, praising God. 
There was something unique about the Christian community in Jerusalem that made strangers want to be a part of it. Day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. God uses our resources in ways we can’t imagine. This is why we need to be part of a community of faith. We help one another in word and deed, in spirit and in flesh. Our Good Shepherd calls us to hear His voice, gather together in prayer, study, worship, and fellowship. We can always trust Him because He has promised to always be with us.
Fourth Sunday of Easter – April 26, 2026
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, 
to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” 
- Acts 2:42 -
He Gathers His Flock Together
The fourth Sunday of Easter is always Good Shepherd Sunday. The Gospel lesson is always a passage from John 10, covering the whole chapter in the three year lectionary. In this year’s text, Jesus tells us that He is the gate and the gatekeeper, the only way to salvation. He promises to lay down His life for His sheep. He provides proof of His authority to be the Good Shepherd. His sheep are those who believe; they’ve been given to Him by His Father. 
God purposely chose the image of a shepherd throughout the scriptures to describe God’s relationship with His people. Psalm 23 shows a personal relationship with the Good Shepherd, but we are reminded by Jesus’ ministry that the shepherd doesn’t lead just one animal; he cares for many. He doesn’t have a hundred individual sheep to lead; he has a flock. He knows every sheep and calls each by name, but the shepherd’s world is in community. The lessons in John 10 teach us that the Church is the community that the Good Shepherd leads, and we are Jesus’ flock. With Jesus as our Shepherd, we live together without fear and walk together in faith knowing that God is with us. 
The community described by Luke in the book of Acts shared everything in common, taking care of one another with their own possessions. They shared God’s grace, in every way. They met daily for prayer and study and gathered often for worship and fellowship. They did all this with joy, praising God. 
There was something unique about the Christian community in Jerusalem that made strangers want to be a part of it. Day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. God uses our resources in ways we can’t imagine. This is why we need to be part of a community of faith. We help one another in word and deed, in spirit and in flesh. Our Good Shepherd calls us to hear His voice, gather together in prayer, study, worship, and fellowship. We can always trust Him because He has promised to always be with us. 
Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 3, 2026
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, 
whose hope is in the Lord his God.” 
- Psalm 146:5-
God is Faithful
Two thousand years after the birth of Christ we are still waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises. We are taught repeatedly in the scriptures to be patient. We aren’t very patient, are we? The language of the New Testament has a sense of immediacy that seems to contradict the reality we see. Two thousand years is a long time; those who were the first followers of Jesus thought that He would come again immediately. It has been long enough to make us doubt what we believe, to make us wonder whether God will ever fulfill His promises.  
Jesus’ ministry did not make sense to the religious elite of His day. He touched the untouchables. He brought wholeness to the outcast. He brought life to those who were dead to the world. He set the prisoners free, opened the eyes of the blind, and made the lame walk. He did not do good things for the righteous; He did great things for the sinners. It made no sense in Jesus’ day and does not make sense today. Human nature expects reward for goodness. Jesus gave gifts to the humble, He fixed the broken, He forgave the sinners. No wonder so many people doubt that He is the Messiah even today.
The psalmist speaks of the hope we have in Jesus. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” This is not good news to the righteous; it is good news for the sinner because it speaks of looking beyond oneself and trusting in a higher power. That higher power, by virtue of its greatness, must know better how things should be accomplished. We are still waiting for the fulfillment of the promises two thousand years after the coming of Christ because God still has work to do. There are things to be accomplished, and we are called to wait both patiently and expectantly while God finishes what He has started. He will because He is faithful. We will one day see the fulfillment of all His promises.
Fifth Sunday of Easter – May 3, 2026
“Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, 
whose hope is in the Lord his God.” 
- Psalm 146:5-
God is Faithful
Two thousand years after the birth of Christ we are still waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promises. We are taught repeatedly in the scriptures to be patient. We aren’t very patient, are we? The language of the New Testament has a sense of immediacy that seems to contradict the reality we see. Two thousand years is a long time; those who were the first followers of Jesus thought that He would come again immediately. It has been long enough to make us doubt what we believe, to make us wonder whether God will ever fulfill His promises.  
Jesus’ ministry did not make sense to the religious elite of His day. He touched the untouchables. He brought wholeness to the outcast. He brought life to those who were dead to the world. He set the prisoners free, opened the eyes of the blind, and made the lame walk. He did not do good things for the righteous; He did great things for the sinners. It made no sense in Jesus’ day and does not make sense today. Human nature expects reward for goodness. Jesus gave gifts to the humble, He fixed the broken, He forgave the sinners. No wonder so many people doubt that He is the Messiah even today.
The psalmist speaks of the hope we have in Jesus. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord his God.” This is not good news to the righteous; it is good news for the sinner because it speaks of looking beyond oneself and trusting in a higher power. That higher power, by virtue of its greatness, must know better how things should be accomplished. We are still waiting for the fulfillment of the promises two thousand years after the coming of Christ because God still has work to do. There are things to be accomplished, and we are called to wait both patiently and expectantly while God finishes what He has started. He will because He is faithful. We will one day see the fulfillment of all His promises.
 
Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2026
“For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ 
What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” 
- Acts 17:23 -
Proclaim the Truth of God
Someone once wrote, “I was headed to a retreat center, but I had an appointment somewhere first. Time was short, and so I wanted to find the most efficient route. I opened my phone and asked Siri, ‘Directions to Christ the King.’ She replied, ‘Please direct your spiritual questions to someone better qualified to answer them, preferably a human being.’”
Paul was in Athens. The Greeks were an ecumenical society; they offered something for everyone! There was a temple on every corner. Athens was a place where trading routes crossed; it was a place where the world came together, and they wanted everyone to feel at home. They even had an altar inscribed “To an unknown god.” Those who could not find a specific temple at least had a place to worship, a place where their god could be honored and remembered.  
Paul went to Mars Hill, which was a place of theological debate and discussion. He commended them for their religious practices and called their attention to this altar for the unknown God. He stepped into their world and reached them from their point of view. In doing so, however, he did not settle for the ecumenical open-mindedness of the Athenians. He told them what they were missing. He boldly proclaimed the God of creation and His Son Jesus Christ. Some thought his message was ridiculous, especially the death and resurrection of Christ.
Paul was qualified to answer their questions, and he willingly risked status, position, and respect by boldly proclaiming the Gospel message of grace and in doing so, some came to believe. We live in a similar society, where buffets are the norm so that everyone who enters can be satisfied. There are religious houses on every corner, something for everyone. Diversity can be a good thing, but are we willing to be like Paul, boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel message, sharing the “unknown God” who fulfilled every promise in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus so that they will seek the true God and find life in Him?
Sixth Sunday of Easter – May 10, 2026
“For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: ‘To the unknown god.’ 
What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you.” 
- Acts 17:23 -
Proclaim the Truth of God
Someone once wrote, “I was headed to a retreat center, but I had an appointment somewhere first. Time was short, and so I wanted to find the most efficient route. I opened my phone and asked Siri, ‘Directions to Christ the King.’ She replied, ‘Please direct your spiritual questions to someone better qualified to answer them, preferably a human being.’”
Paul was in Athens. The Greeks were an ecumenical society; they offered something for everyone! There was a temple on every corner. Athens was a place where trading routes crossed; it was a place where the world came together, and they wanted everyone to feel at home. They even had an altar inscribed “To an unknown god.” Those who could not find a specific temple at least had a place to worship, a place where their god could be honored and remembered.  
Paul went to Mars Hill, which was a place of theological debate and discussion. He commended them for their religious practices and called their attention to this altar for the unknown God. He stepped into their world and reached them from their point of view. In doing so, however, he did not settle for the ecumenical open-mindedness of the Athenians. He told them what they were missing. He boldly proclaimed the God of creation and His Son Jesus Christ. Some thought his message was ridiculous, especially the death and resurrection of Christ.
Paul was qualified to answer their questions, and he willingly risked status, position, and respect by boldly proclaiming the Gospel message of grace and in doing so, some came to believe. We live in a similar society, where buffets are the norm so that everyone who enters can be satisfied. There are religious houses on every corner, something for everyone. Diversity can be a good thing, but are we willing to be like Paul, boldly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel message, sharing the “unknown God” who fulfilled every promise in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus so that they will seek the true God and find life in Him? 
Ascension of Our Lord – May 14, 2026
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, 
and to the end of the earth.” 
- Acts 1:8 -
He Dwells in Us Now
Bob Hope was known throughout the world for his humor, talent, and kind heart. He entertained many generations in movies, television, and with the U.S.O. He gave so much of the himself for the joy of others and he will be remembered for a long time. Though many had heard of him, few knew him personally because it was not practical or logistically possible for one man to call us all friends. 
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you had known Jesus personally? What might it have been like to hear His voice, eat with Him and follow Him during His ministry on earth? He was God in flesh; couldn’t He have stayed among His people forever? Wouldn’t He have gained a bigger following if He had stayed? If Jesus continued to live as generation after generation of people died, the world would have truly seen the power of God.  
After His resurrection, Jesus stayed with the disciples for forty days, long enough to share a few final thoughts and reinforce their belief that He was truly alive. Then He ascended into heaven, never to be seen again. Jesus in the flesh was like Bob Hope, trapped by time and space in a way that made it impossible for Him to be with all people even for a moment. The world may have heard of Him, but they wouldn’t know Him. We can only know Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It was necessary for Jesus to be taken into heaven so that He could send the promised One, the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within the hearts of all who believe. Though Jesus is not here in flesh, He is here in a much better way. We all can know Him and take part in His blessings. The Ascension may have been a sad moment for the disciples, for they were losing the flesh and blood presence of their friend and teacher, but it is a most joyous moment for us because it assured that we too would be able to have a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus as He promised.
Ascension of Our Lord – May 14, 2026
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 
and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, 
and to the end of the earth.” 
- Acts 1:8 -
He Dwells in Us Now
Bob Hope was known throughout the world for his humor, talent, and kind heart. He entertained many generations in movies, television, and with the U.S.O. He gave so much of the himself for the joy of others and he will be remembered for a long time. Though many had heard of him, few knew him personally because it was not practical or logistically possible for one man to call us all friends. 
Have you ever wondered what it would have been like if you had known Jesus personally? What might it have been like to hear His voice, eat with Him and follow Him during His ministry on earth? He was God in flesh; couldn’t He have stayed among His people forever? Wouldn’t He have gained a bigger following if He had stayed? If Jesus continued to live as generation after generation of people died, the world would have truly seen the power of God.  
After His resurrection, Jesus stayed with the disciples for forty days, long enough to share a few final thoughts and reinforce their belief that He was truly alive. Then He ascended into heaven, never to be seen again. Jesus in the flesh was like Bob Hope, trapped by time and space in a way that made it impossible for Him to be with all people even for a moment. The world may have heard of Him, but they wouldn’t know Him. We can only know Him by the power of the Holy Spirit.
It was necessary for Jesus to be taken into heaven so that He could send the promised One, the Holy Spirit, who now dwells within the hearts of all who believe. Though Jesus is not here in flesh, He is here in a much better way. We all can know Him and take part in His blessings. The Ascension may have been a sad moment for the disciples, for they were losing the flesh and blood presence of their friend and teacher, but it is a most joyous moment for us because it assured that we too would be able to have a personal relationship with our Lord Jesus as He promised.
Seventh Sunday of Easter – May 17, 2026
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, 
who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, 
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 
- 1 Peter 5:10 -
Suffering Leads to Glory with Him
Jesus was gone. The disciples were alone. They knew things, but did they know enough? How were they supposed to continue Jesus’ work? How were they supposed to do the miracles, speak the words, teach the lessons that would change people’s lives? They lost their teacher. They left their families, and in many cases couldn’t return because their families had rejected Jesus. The world was opposed to everything they had come to believe. It still opposes our faith today and threatens us, too. We wonder how we will ever be capable of doing what God calls us to do.
The truth is that we are not capable, but there is hope because God promised that He would provide everything we need. He will restore, support, strengthen, and establish us. He is indeed the God of all grace, and He has called us to this life. He has invited us to share in His eternal glory that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. This might mean suffering, but that, too is a gift because in it we share the glory of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we have all we need to live in faith and serve God, including other believers who will join us in the work.
We know Jesus Christ because of the testimony of those who came before us and future generations will know Him because we will share our faith with them. We are bound together by the power of the Holy Spirit, made one by God’s Word through God’s grace, continuing the work of Jesus Christ together despite the opposition that threatens our lives. 
This is a reason for us to celebrate. We have reason to dance in the streets. We have reason to praise God with joy, to delight in His presence because we are His forever. He has won the victory. He has defeated our enemies. He has made all things right and we are called to tell the story of His innumerable deeds, His faithfulness, and His power, until we join in His eternal glory as He has promised to those who believe.
Seventh Sunday of Easter – May 17, 2026
“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, 
who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, 
will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 
- 1 Peter 5:10 -
Suffering Leads to Glory with Him
Jesus was gone. The disciples were alone. They knew things, but did they know enough? How were they supposed to continue Jesus’ work? How were they supposed to do the miracles, speak the words, teach the lessons that would change people’s lives? They lost their teacher. They left their families, and in many cases couldn’t return because their families had rejected Jesus. The world was opposed to everything they had come to believe. It still opposes our faith today and threatens us, too. We wonder how we will ever be capable of doing what God calls us to do.
The truth is that we are not capable, but there is hope because God promised that He would provide everything we need. He will restore, support, strengthen, and establish us. He is indeed the God of all grace, and He has called us to this life. He has invited us to share in His eternal glory that is found in Jesus Christ our Lord. This might mean suffering, but that, too is a gift because in it we share the glory of Jesus. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we have all we need to live in faith and serve God, including other believers who will join us in the work.
We know Jesus Christ because of the testimony of those who came before us and future generations will know Him because we will share our faith with them. We are bound together by the power of the Holy Spirit, made one by God’s Word through God’s grace, continuing the work of Jesus Christ together despite the opposition that threatens our lives. 
This is a reason for us to celebrate. We have reason to dance in the streets. We have reason to praise God with joy, to delight in His presence because we are His forever. He has won the victory. He has defeated our enemies. He has made all things right and we are called to tell the story of His innumerable deeds, His faithfulness, and His power, until we join in His eternal glory as He has promised to those who believe.