Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Episode: Day 107: Samuel's Speech
Published: April 17, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through 1 Samuel chapters 11 and 12 and Psalm 55, focusing on Saul's early leadership as king and the profound, challenging farewell speech delivered by the prophet Samuel. The episode reflects on how God works with and through human weakness, emphasizing that while people often choose against God’s ideal will, His presence and grace persist. The readings prompt reflection on leadership, repentance, the mercy of God, and the reality of not being “disqualified” by past mistakes.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Saul’s Leadership and the Rescue of Jabesh-Gilead

[09:40–15:30]

• Context: The Ammonites, led by Nahash, threaten Jabesh-Gilead, demanding gouged-out right eyes as the price for peace. The request symbolizes a permanent mark of shame and military weakness.
• Insight: Saul, empowered by the Spirit of God, acts decisively, rallying Israel’s tribes through a dramatic call to arms (sending butchered oxen as a warning and rallying cry).
• Leadership: Saul's actions unite Israel for the first time in his reign, displaying genuine spiritual and military leadership.
• Mercy: After victory, some want to punish those who had previously doubted Saul, but Saul refuses, saying,

  "Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has wrought deliverance in Israel." ([15:14])

• Transition: Saul’s restraint and guidance pave the way for his public confirmation as king, followed by communal rejoicing and sacrifice.

Samuel’s Farewell Address: A Call to Remember and Repent

[15:31–25:00]

• Integrity in Leadership: Samuel publicly invites scrutiny over his long life of service, reaffirming he has acted justly (no bribery, oppression, or theft).
  • Quote:

  "Here I am. Testify against me before the Lord...Whose ox have I taken?...Whom have I defrauded?" ([16:10])

• Israel’s Pattern: Samuel surveys Israel’s history: repeated cycles of forgetting God, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
• Desire for a King: Samuel exposes that wanting a king was, in itself, a rejection of God as king.
  • Quote:

  "When the Lord your God was your king...you have asked for yourselves a king." ([18:46])

• God’s Response: God yields to their demand (“because of the hardness of your hearts”) but warns: blessing depends on the fidelity of both king and people. Disobedience will lead to catastrophe.
• Miraculous Sign: To underscore their mistake, Samuel calls down thunder and rain during wheat harvest, a supernatural event that terrifies the people.
  • Quote:

  "You shall know and see that your wickedness is great..." ([20:22])

Mercy, Conversion, and Not Being Disqualified

[25:01–31:40]

• Fr. Mike’s Reflection: Samuel’s words remind us that God often works “in spite of Himself”—He tolerates our bad choices out of mercy, not desire or preference.
• Practical Application:
  • Even if we have made serious, even permanent choices “against God’s will,” we are not disqualified from God’s presence or Spirit.
  • God’s mercy is always available, provided we turn back and strive for fidelity going forward.
• Encouragement:
  • Quote:

  "Many of us have made the wrong decisions. I'm sorry, let me clarify. All of us have made the wrong decisions in our lives. And yet what has God done? He hasn't said, well, you're disqualified now." ([28:50])

  • Quote:

  "You made a choice that's against my will. I can send you my spirit even now." ([29:38])

• Challenge and Assurance: God’s invitation is: “Okay, now go and sin no more.” ([30:57])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Saul's restraint and leadership:

  "Saul shows a great amount of restraint and a great amount of wisdom in not just destroying those who were opposed to him. Good on you, Saul. Well done." ([14:56])

• On the complexity of God’s permissive will:

  "God is giving the Holy Spirit...but he doesn't want this. This is not part of his plan. He is tolerating this because of the hardness of your heart." ([20:21])

• Samuel’s heart for the people, even in their error:

  "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by ceasing to pray for you." ([22:50])

• Fr. Mike’s encouragement to listeners in their imperfection:

  "None of us are disqualified. We've all chosen things that God didn't want for us, and yet he's still present to you." ([30:40])

Psalm 55 Reflection: Faith in the Midst of Betrayal

[15:00–17:00]

• Theme: The emotional pain of betrayal, not by enemies, but by a close companion.
• Key lines:

  "It is you, my equal, my companion, my familiar friend." ([17:01])
  "Cast your burden on the Lord and he will sustain you." ([17:39])

• Prayer: Fr. Mike prays for trust in God’s faithfulness, even when friends and loved ones fail us, reminding listeners that God never breaks His promise.

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:04] — Episode intro and reading plan overview
• [01:40] — First Samuel 11: Saul rescues Jabesh-Gilead
• [07:54] — First Samuel 12: Samuel’s farewell address
• [14:35] — Psalm 55: Prayer in the face of betrayal
• [17:50] — Fr. Mike’s reflection on Saul’s leadership and spiritual lessons from Samuel’s speech
• [24:00] — Core application: God’s mercy despite human decisions
• [29:15] — Encouragement about not being disqualified; God’s ongoing invitation to conversion

Final Thoughts

This episode powerfully weaves together biblical narrative, deep theological insight, and practical encouragement. Fr. Mike underlines that while God sometimes allows what He does not ultimately desire (kingship, violence, or other human choices), His mercy and fidelity continue. He invites listeners to trust in this mercy—no matter their history—and encourages moving forward in faithfulness. Samuel’s speech, and Fr. Mike’s application, are reminders that no one is beyond the reach of redemption or grace.

“We all have broken lives. None of us are disqualified. We've all chosen things that God didn't want for us. And yet he's still present to you.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([30:40])