Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) - Day 110: David and Goliath

Release Date: April 20, 2025

Introduction

In Day 110 of The Bible in a Year podcast by Ascension, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the iconic biblical narrative of David and Goliath, found in 1 Samuel 17, complemented by a reflection on Psalm 12. This episode not only recounts the dramatic confrontation between the young shepherd David and the formidable giant Goliath but also explores the deeper spiritual lessons embedded within the story.

Scripture Reading

1 Samuel 17 & Psalm 12

Fr. Mike begins by reading 1 Samuel 17, detailing the encounter between David and Goliath. He emphasizes the setting where the Philistines and Israelites face off in the valley of Elah, with Goliath challenging Israel’s army to single combat. David’s unwavering faith and courage are highlighted as he steps forward to confront the giant, armed only with a sling and five smooth stones.

Notable Passage:

"The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine."
(1 Samuel 17:37, 05:00)

Reflection on 1 Samuel 17

Fr. Mike shares his admiration for 1 Samuel 17, describing it as one of his favorite chapters. He breaks down the narrative to extract valuable life lessons:

1. Courage and Initiative:

   • David’s Proactive Nature: Despite being the youngest, David shows remarkable courage by volunteering to fight Goliath when others are afraid.

     “Someone's got to fight. Someone's got to do something.”
     (12:09)

2. Preparation Through Daily Battles:

   • Shepherding as Training: David’s experience in protecting his flock from lions and bears serves as preparation for his confrontation with Goliath.

     “David has been training for this moment.”
     (14:10)

3. Faith Over Fear:

   • Trust in God: David’s faith in God’s deliverance overcomes his fear of Goliath, demonstrating that true strength comes from spiritual conviction.

     “The Lord will deliver you into my hand.”
     (07:28)

4. Understanding One’s Unique Gifts:

   • Rejecting Saul’s Armor: David refuses Saul’s armor, recognizing that his skills with the sling are his true asset.

     “He is not suited for this armor; he is trained with his sling.”
     (15:35)

5. Acting Promptly:

   • Swift Action: David doesn’t hesitate when it’s time to act, showcasing the importance of timely responses to challenges.

     “David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine.”
     (16:22)

Prayer from Psalm 12

Following the scripture reading, Fr. Mike leads a heartfelt prayer based on Psalm 12, a plea for divine assistance in tumultuous times. The prayer emphasizes the purity of God’s promises and seeks protection against deceit and evil.

Excerpt from the Prayer:

“Father in heaven, we give you praise and we give you glory and honor... You are the ground of all being... Help us to remember you and remember your love.”
(09:58 - 11:21)

Insights and Lessons

Fr. Mike delves deeper into the story, extracting profound spiritual and practical lessons:

1. Facing Giants in Life:

   • Personal Application: Just as David faced Goliath, individuals encounter personal "giants" or challenges that require faith and courage.

     “You and I are going to have giants in our lives. Face the battles of today to be prepared for tomorrow.”
     (15:00 - 15:35)

2. Authentic Motivation:

   • Fighting for God’s Honor: David’s motivation to confront Goliath stems from his desire to defend God’s honor, not personal glory or rewards.

     “I’m fighting because this person is insulting the name of the living God.”
     (17:09 - 17:19)

3. Community and Support:

   • Praying for Each Other: Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of community and mutual prayer, acknowledging that facing life's giants isn't a solitary journey.

     “We need each other. Let’s keep praying for each other.”
     (18:16 - 18:24)

4. Role of Divine Assistance:

   • God's Presence: The episode underscores that true victory comes from relying on God’s strength rather than personal abilities or external support.

     “The battle is the Lord's, and He will give you into our hand.”
     (07:57 - 07:59)

Conclusion

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode with gratitude for the community’s prayers and participation in the journey through the scriptures. He reiterates the significance of facing daily challenges with faith, preparing for greater battles, and maintaining a steadfast relationship with God.

Final Encouragement:

“Help us to walk in faithfulness as we walk in thankfulness.”
(11:13)

Fr. Mike expresses his excitement for the ongoing journey, inviting listeners to continue exploring the Bible’s profound narratives and their applications in daily life.

Key Takeaways

• Faith and Courage: Embracing trust in God enables individuals to face and overcome formidable challenges.
• Preparation Through Daily Acts: Everyday responsibilities and struggles equip individuals with the necessary skills and resilience for future battles.
• Authentic Motivation: Actions driven by a desire to honor and defend God’s name hold deeper significance than those seeking personal gain.
• Community Support: Mutual prayer and support within a faith community are essential for navigating life’s challenges.
• Divine Assistance: Recognizing and relying on God’s power is pivotal for true victory and spiritual growth.

This episode of The Bible in a Year offers a rich exploration of one of the Bible's most inspiring stories, inviting listeners to reflect on their own lives and the giants they face with renewed faith and understanding.