The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode: Day 107: Samuel's Speech (2025) Summary

Release Date: April 17, 2025
Podcast Host: Ascension
Guests: Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins

Introduction

In Day 107 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins delve into the pivotal chapters of First Samuel 11 and 12, alongside the heartfelt Psalm 55. This episode, lasting approximately 20-25 minutes, offers a comprehensive exploration of leadership, obedience, and divine mercy within the context of Israel's history.

Scripture Readings

First Samuel 11 & 12:
Fr. Mike and Jeff guide listeners through Saul’s leadership during the conflict with Nahash the Ammonite and the subsequent establishment of Saul as king. They emphasize Saul’s role in uniting the Israelites and his reliance on divine guidance.

Psalm 55:
A somber reflection on betrayal and anguish, the Psalmist cries out to God amidst personal and communal turmoil, seeking deliverance from treachery and violence.

Reflections on First Samuel 11 & 12

Saul’s Leadership Against Nahash (1 Samuel 11):
The episode begins with the threat posed by Nahash the Ammonite to Jabesh Gilead. Nahash’s demand to gouge out the right eyes of the men serves as a brutal tactic to cripple Israel’s defense and instill fear. The elders’ plea for seven days’ respite leads to Saul’s rallying of the Israelites.

• Unity and Obedience:
  “The Spirit of God came mightily upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled.” ([02:12] Jeff Cavins)

  Saul’s decisive action, spreading a yoke of oxen and demanding loyalty, instills fear of the Lord, uniting the Israelites to a staggering 330,000 men. Their unified response leads to a victorious battle against the Ammonites, demonstrating Saul’s capacity to lead and inspire.

Samuel’s Farewell Address (1 Samuel 12):
Samuel addresses the Israelites, reminding them of God’s past deliverances through leaders like Moses, Aaron, and himself. He acknowledges their request for a king and emphasizes that while God has permitted Saul’s kingship due to their hard-heartedness, it deviates from His original plan.

• Divine Mercy Amidst Rebellion:
  “But if you will not listen to the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord will be against you and your king.” ([06:04] Jeff Cavins)

  Samuel underscores that God allows their chosen king to lead not because it aligns with His preferred plan, but out of patience and mercy. He calls for continued faithfulness, warning of dire consequences should the people and their king stray from God’s commandments.

Reflections on Psalm 55

Psalm 55 serves as a poignant contrast to the narratives in Samuel, highlighting personal anguish and betrayal.

• Emotional Turmoil and Betrayal:
  “Let them go down to Sheol alive. Let them go away in terror to their graves.” ([09:06] Jeff Cavins)

  The Psalmist laments the treachery of a close companion, expressing deep emotional pain and a desire for divine intervention against enemies both external and internal.

• Trust in Divine Providence:
  “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” ([10:01] Fr. Mike Schmitz)

  Amidst the turmoil, the Psalmist reaffirms trust in God’s ability to deliver and sustain, despite the surrounding chaos and betrayal.

Key Insights and Lessons

1. Leadership Under Divine Guidance:

   • Saul’s rise as king underscores the importance of leadership that aligns with divine will. His ability to unite the Israelites in battle reflects the qualities of a leader guided by faith and a sense of duty.

2. Divine Mercy Despite Human Failings:

   • Samuel’s address reveals that God’s mercy extends even when His people stray. Despite granting the Israelites a king contrary to His plans, God remains willing to work with them, highlighting His patience and unwavering commitment.

3. The Complexity of Faith and Obedience:

   • The episode explores the tension between human desires and divine intentions. While the Israelites sought a king for security, it diverged from their need to rely solely on God, illustrating the complexities inherent in faith and obedience.

4. Personal Struggles and Divine Support:

   • Psalm 55 complements the historical narrative by delving into personal anguish and the quest for divine support amidst betrayal, reinforcing the theme that God is a refuge in times of personal and communal crisis.

Notable Quotes

• On Saul’s Leadership:

  “Here, now he has basically consecrated himself a king by the fact that he just led us all in battle into victory.” ([13:08] Jeff Cavins)

• On Divine Mercy:

  “He is merely doing this because of the hardness of your heart.” ([15:56] Fr. Mike Schmitz)

• On Trusting God:

  “Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you.” ([10:01] Fr. Mike Schmitz)

• On Human Weakness and Divine Presence:

  “We have all chosen things that God didn’t want for us... Yet he’s still present to you.” ([19:58] Jeff Cavins)

Conclusions

Day 107 of "The Bible in a Year" emphasizes the enduring themes of leadership, obedience, and divine mercy. Through the narratives of Saul’s kingship and Samuel’s farewell, listeners are reminded of the delicate balance between human agency and divine intent. Psalm 55 adds a personal dimension, highlighting that even in moments of deep personal betrayal and suffering, trust in God remains paramount.

Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins encourage listeners to reflect on their own lives, recognizing that despite past mistakes or deviations, God’s mercy and presence remain steadfast. The episode serves as both a historical lesson and a spiritual guide, urging believers to maintain faithfulness and seek divine guidance in all aspects of life.

Final Prayer Reflection:

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, where Fr. Mike Schmitz urges listeners to trust in God’s unwavering presence, even amidst personal and societal challenges. He emphasizes the importance of communal prayer and mutual support in sustaining faith and obedience to God’s will.

Quote from Fr. Mike Schmitz:

“We all have broken lives. None of us are disqualified... But you are not disqualified. You are still present to you.” ([19:58] Jeff Cavins)

Closing Thought:

This episode beautifully weaves together historical scripture with personal reflection, offering listeners both a deeper understanding of Israel’s past and practical insights for their spiritual journeys today. By highlighting God’s mercy and the importance of faithful leadership, Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins provide a rich and engaging exploration of Scripture that resonates with believers seeking to live life through the lens of God’s Word.