The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode Summary: Day 115: King Saul is Spared (2025)

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host: Ascension, featuring Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Description: Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, offering insightful commentary, reflections, and prayers. This podcast follows the Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins, enhancing understanding of salvation history and its relevance today.

Introduction

In Day 115: King Saul is Spared, released on April 25, 2025, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into 1 Samuel Chapter 24 and Psalm 57. Utilizing the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, and the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension, Fr. Mike presents a comprehensive exploration of David’s encounter with King Saul, highlighting themes of mercy, divine sovereignty, and personal limitations in the face of injustice.

Scripture Summaries

1 Samuel Chapter 24: David Spares Saul's Life

Fr. Mike narrates the pivotal moment when David chooses mercy over vengeance. As Saul pursues David with 3,000 men in the wilderness of Ein Gedi, Saul enters a cave to relieve himself. Unbeknownst to Saul, David and his men are hidden within.

• David’s Restraint: David stealthily cuts off a piece of Saul's robe (1 Samuel 24:4), intending to use it as evidence of his innocence. Upon realizing the gravity of his action, David exclaims, "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my Lord. The Lord's anointed—to put forth my hand against him" (00:04:58).

• Confrontation and Compassion: David faces Saul, demonstrating deep respect and restraint. He challenges Saul by saying, "Why do you listen to the words of men who say, behold, David seeks your hurt... I have not sinned against you... May the Lord judge between me and you" (00:08:30).

• Saul’s Acknowledgment: Moved by David’s integrity, Saul admits, "You are more righteous than I... I know that you shall surely be king" (00:12:15). This encounter solidifies David’s righteousness and God’s providential plan for his kingship.

Psalm 57: A Psalm of David in Troubled Times

Fr. Mike reads Psalm 57, a heartfelt plea for mercy and protection amidst persecution. David expresses unwavering trust in God despite facing "lions" and adversaries with "spears and arrows" (Psalm 57:4).

• Trust and Praise: David declares, "My heart is steadfast, O God. I will sing and make melody" (Psalm 57:7), emphasizing steadfast faith even in dire circumstances.

• Call for Divine Justice: The Psalm concludes with a resolution to praise God among all peoples, affirming His eternal mercy and faithfulness (Psalm 57:11-12).

Key Discussions and Insights

Respecting Divine Sovereignty

Fr. Mike underscores David’s profound respect for God’s anointing of Saul, despite Saul’s flaws and impending downfall. David acknowledges, "God gets to be the one who decides who is king and who's not. God gets to be the Lord over the living and the dead" (00:16:45). This recognition prevents David from overstepping his bounds, demonstrating humility and reliance on divine will.

Understanding Personal Limitations

A significant theme is the importance of recognizing one’s limitations and responding appropriately to God’s call. Fr. Mike reflects, "I have to consult the Lord God... What I have to do is what David did yesterday" (00:21:30). He advises listeners to seek divine guidance before engaging in battles, avoiding unnecessary conflicts unless explicitly directed by God.

The Power of Mercy and Integrity

David’s decision to spare Saul serves as a powerful example of mercy and integrity. Fr. Mike highlights, "There is something really powerful about this because what it reveals is... David recognizes the power of the Lord's choosing him and the power of the Lord's faithfulness" (00:18:20). David’s actions exemplify living out one's faith through righteous behavior, even when faced with personal danger.

Spiritual Battles and Community Prayer

Addressing the nature of spiritual warfare, Fr. Mike emphasizes that our true battles are against principalities and powers, not merely against flesh and blood. He urges mutual support through prayer, stating, "Our battles are not with flesh and blood, right? Our battles are with principalities and powers" (00:26:00). This reinforces the necessity of community and prayer in overcoming spiritual challenges.

Notable Quotes

• On Mercy and Integrity:

  "The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my Lord. The Lord's anointed—to put forth my hand against him." (00:04:58)

• On Divine Sovereignty:

  "God gets to be the one who decides who is king and who's not. God gets to be the Lord over the living and the dead." (00:16:45)

• On Personal Limitations:

  "I have to consult the Lord God... What I have to do is what David did yesterday." (00:21:30)

• On Spiritual Battles:

  "Our battles are not with flesh and blood... Our battles are with principalities and powers." (00:26:00)

Conclusion

In Day 115: King Saul is Spared, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines scripture reading with profound reflections, offering listeners deep insights into themes of mercy, divine sovereignty, and personal responsibility. David’s encounter with Saul becomes a mirror for our own struggles with injustice and the importance of responding with faith and integrity.

Fr. Mike encourages believers to seek God’s guidance in every aspect of life, recognizing their limitations and relying on divine strength to engage in the battles that truly matter. The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, reinforcing the communal aspect of faith and the power of mutual support through prayer.

Listeners are left with a reinforced understanding of how biblical narratives apply to contemporary life, inspiring them to live out their faith with humility, courage, and unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Join Fr. Mike Schmitz on this transformative journey through the Bible, gaining not only knowledge but also a deeper connection with God’s word and its application in daily life.