Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 125: Covenant with David

Episode Overview

In Day 125 of Ascension's The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the pivotal moments surrounding King David’s covenant with God. This episode, titled "Covenant with David," explores readings from 2 Samuel chapters 6 and 7, 1 Chronicles chapter 9, and Psalm 89. Through insightful commentary, reflection, and guided prayer, Fr. Mike elucidates the profound significance of these scriptures within the broader narrative of salvation history.

Scripture Readings

1. 2 Samuel 6-7: Fr. Mike reads about David’s efforts to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, the tragic incident with Uzzah, and God’s covenant promising David an everlasting dynasty.

2. 1 Chronicles 9: This chapter presents genealogies and the restoration of Israel post-exile, highlighting the faithful remnant returning to Jerusalem.

3. Psalm 89: A heartfelt prayer by David reflecting on God’s steadfast love, His promises, and the apparent failure in the fulfillment of the covenant.

Key Discussions and Insights

1. The Ark of the Covenant and Its Significance

Fr. Mike begins by recounting 2 Samuel 6, where David's spirited attempt to transport the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem is marred by tragedy. He emphasizes the Ark’s sanctity, housing the Ten Commandments, Aaron’s staff, and manna—a tangible presence of God among His people.

“The Ark of God is the holiest thing that they have. The Ark is only to be transported by the priests… they know the commandment of God.” [14:35]

2. The Tragedy of Uzzah: Disobedience and Its Consequences

The episode highlights the incident where Uzzah touches the Ark to steady it, resulting in his immediate death—a stark portrayal of divine holiness and the severity of disobedience.

“Sin is when I say to God, God, I know what you want, but I'm going to do what I want. It’s just disobedience.” [22:10]

Fr. Mike explains that Uzzah’s actions, though seemingly well-intentioned, violated God’s explicit instructions, underscoring the principle that disobedience to God’s commands carries grave consequences.

3. God's Covenant with David

Transitioning to 2 Samuel 7, Fr. Mike discusses God’s promise to David through the prophet Nathan. This covenant not only assures David’s dynasty but also foreshadows the Messiah.

“I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come forth from your body, and I will establish his kingdom… I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.” [30:45]

Fr. Mike connects this promise to the New Testament, illustrating how Jesus Christ fulfills this eternal covenant, bridging the Old and New Testaments.

4. Mary as the New Ark of the Covenant

A notable theological insight from the episode is the Catholic interpretation of Mary as the "new Ark of the Covenant." Fr. Mike draws parallels between the contents of the Ark and Mary's role as the vessel of Jesus—the Word made flesh.

“In the womb of Mary, the new ark of the New Covenant is Jesus Christ… Jesus is the fulfillment of everything in the Old Testament.” [42:20]

This connection enriches the understanding of Mary’s significance in salvation history, highlighting her as integral to God's plan.

5. Reflections on Psalm 89

Psalm 89 serves as a profound reflection on the tension between God’s promises and human experience. Fr. Mike underscores David’s honest prayer, oscillating between praise and lament.

“David models for us this honesty in prayer. He comes before God in victory, and he comes before God in defeat. He’s always being honest before the Lord.” [55:15]

This authentic dialogue with God exemplifies the believer’s journey through faith, encompassing moments of triumph and times of doubt.

6. Understanding 1 Chronicles in Context

Fr. Mike provides historical context for 1 Chronicles 9, explaining its composition post-exile by Ezra the scribe. He contrasts the chronicler’s perspective with that of the books of Samuel and Kings, emphasizing a focus on restoration and faithfulness.

“First Chronicles is written long after the devastation and is highlighting the importance of not repeating the unfaithfulness of the ancestors.” [68:40]

This perspective encourages listeners to learn from past transgressions and commit to a life of faithfulness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On the Importance of Obedience:

  “Sin is when I say to God, God, I know what you want, but I'm going to do what I want.” [22:10]

• Connecting Mary to the Ark:

  “In the womb of Mary, the new ark of the New Covenant is Jesus Christ.” [42:20]

• Honesty in Prayer:

  “David models for us this honesty in prayer. He’s always being honest before the Lord.” [55:15]

• Historical Context of Chronicles:

  “First Chronicles is written long after the devastation and is highlighting the importance of not repeating the unfaithfulness of the ancestors.” [68:40]

Conclusions and Takeaways

Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly weaves together scripture readings and theological insights to illuminate the enduring covenant between God and David. Key takeaways from the episode include:

• The Sanctity of Divine Instructions: The episode reinforces the necessity of adhering to God’s commands, as exemplified by Uzzah’s tragic fate.

• God’s Faithfulness Amidst Human Failure: Despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, God maintains His promises, ensuring the fulfillment of the covenant through David’s lineage.

• Mary’s Role in Salvation History: By drawing parallels between Mary and the Ark, the episode highlights the continuity and fulfillment of Old Testament symbols in the New Testament narrative.

• Authentic Prayer as a Model for Believers: David’s honest prayers in Psalm 89 serve as a blueprint for genuine communication with God, encompassing both praise and lament.

• Historical Reflection for Modern Faithfulness: Understanding the context of 1 Chronicles encourages listeners to commit to faithfulness, learning from the past to build a righteous future.

Final Reflections

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer, inviting listeners to embrace God’s encompassing love through all seasons of life—victory and defeat, joy and grief. His reflections not only enhance the understanding of the scriptures but also inspire a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.

“We come before you because you are a good, good dad. Please receive us into your heart.” [Conclusion]

Closing Prayer

The episode wraps with a guided prayer, intertwining David’s prayers with personal introspection, encouraging listeners to seek God’s presence in every aspect of their lives.

Episode Impact

Day 125: Covenant with David offers a rich exploration of pivotal biblical narratives, seamlessly connecting ancient texts with contemporary faith experiences. Fr. Mike Schmitz’s engaging commentary and theological depth provide listeners with profound insights into God’s unwavering covenant and its manifestation in both history and personal spirituality.