Overview of Day 35: Crossing the Red Sea (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz leads Day 35 of the Bible in a Year podcast (Ascension). The episode reads and reflects on Exodus 13–14, Leviticus 10, and Psalm 53 (RSV-CE), using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline. The episode highlights God’s holiness, His dramatic rescue of Israel at the Red Sea, and the balance between reverent fear of God and His nearness in the new covenant. Father Mike names the episode’s key word: “The Lord fights for you — you have only to be still.”
Readings covered
- Exodus 13–14: Consecration of the firstborn; route and signs of the Exodus; pillar of cloud/fire; Pharaoh’s pursuit; crossing of the Red Sea; destruction of the Egyptian army; Israel’s response of fear and faith.
- Leviticus 10: Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized (“unholy”) fire and are consumed; Moses’ instructions to Aaron and his remaining sons; rules about priestly conduct, offerings, and distinctions between holy/common.
- Psalm 53: Denunciation of godlessness — “The fool says in his heart, There is no God”; corruption of humanity; assurance that deliverance and restoration will come from Zion.
Summary of the passages
- Exodus: God consecrates firstborn and institutes the month/feast of Unleavened Bread as an enduring memorial. God intentionally leads Israel by a longer, wilder route to avoid discouragement; He guides them by a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Surrounded at the sea, God commands Moses to stretch out his hand, parts the waters with a strong east wind, Israel crosses on dry ground, and the returning waters destroy Pharaoh’s army. The people respond with fear and belief in God and Moses.
- Leviticus: Two sons of Aaron act unlawfully in the sanctuary; God’s immediate, holy judgment illustrates the seriousness of approaching God improperly. Moses instructs careful, reverent priestly behavior (no loose hair, no mourning rites that violate ritual law, abstain from wine when serving, distinctions between holy/common). Regulations about portions of sacrifices emphasize priestly rights and sacred practice.
- Psalm 53: A poetic critique of human corruption and denial of God, concluding with confident hope that God will restore Israel and cause rejoicing.
Key takeaways
- God is both radically holy and personally near. Holiness demands proper approach; irreverence has consequences (Leviticus 10).
- God actively fights for His people — sometimes our call is to stand still and trust (Exodus 14: “The Lord will fight for you; you have only to be still”).
- Worship practices and ritual distinctions in Leviticus are about defining and protecting the sacred, teaching the people how to encounter a holy God.
- Human corruption and rejection of God (Psalm 53) contrast with God’s plan of restoration for His people.
Notable quotes / phrases
- “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.” — Exodus 14 (Father Mike’s “word of the day”)
- “Leviticus is not dry — it’s the Lord revealing his holiness.” — Father Mike
- Psalm 53: “The fool says in his heart, There is no God.”
Practical applications & action items
- Reflect and journal: write the episode’s word of the day (“The Lord fights for you — you have only to be still”) and where it applies in your life.
- Re-examine how you approach God in prayer and worship — do you bring reverence and take God seriously (fear of the Lord) while embracing His nearness?
- Pray for fellow travelers on the Bible-in-a-Year journey; ask for mutual intercession in daily spiritual battles.
- Use the Great Adventure Bible (Ascension) for context, maps, and periodization when reading Scripture.
- If you haven’t, subscribe to the podcast and follow the reading plan at Ascension (ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year).
Final pastoral insight
Father Mike emphasizes balance: God’s holiness means approach with seriousness and reverence; God’s love and incarnation mean He draws near and desires our trust. In moments of crisis, remember sometimes God simply asks you to stand still and let Him fight for you.