Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 163: Faith Over Success (2025)
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Overview
In Day 163: Faith Over Success, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the intricate narratives of 1 Kings 13, 2 Chronicles 12-13, and Song of Solomon Chapter 2. This episode explores the themes of faithfulness, obedience, and the profound love of God as depicted in these scriptures. Fr. Mike provides historical context, theological insights, and personal reflections to help listeners understand the pivotal moments in the divided kingdom of Israel and Judah, and how these ancient lessons resonate in our lives today.
Scriptural Readings
- 1 Kings 13
- 2 Chronicles 12-13
- Song of Solomon Chapter 2
Historical and Theological Analysis
The Divided Kingdom: Judah vs. Israel ([00:58] - [02:34])
Fr. Mike begins by setting the stage in the period of the divided kingdom. The Kingdom of Judah in the south comprises only two tribes but is significant as the lineage from David to Jesus flows through it. In contrast, the Kingdom of Israel in the north consists of ten tribes, often referred to as the rebellious tribes. This division creates a dynamic tension, akin to a civil war, where familial and national loyalties are tested.
Key Points:
- Judah's Significance: Despite its smaller size, Judah plays a crucial role in God's plan of salvation.
- Israel's Rebellion: The northern tribes exhibit persistent unfaithfulness, contrasting with Judah's occasional lapses.
Rehoboam's Unfaithfulness and Shishak's Attack ([07:04] - [09:38])
Drawing from 2 Chronicles 12, Fr. Mike discusses how King Rehoboam abandons the law of the Lord, leading to divine consequences. In the fifth year of his reign, Shishak, king of Egypt, invades Judah with a formidable army. However, upon receiving counsel from the prophet Shemaiah, Rehoboam and the princes humble themselves, leading to partial deliverance. Despite this, Rehoboam's unfaithfulness results in the loss of Solomon's golden shields, symbolizing a significant decline from prosperity to bronze within five years.
Key Points:
- Consequences of Unfaithfulness: Turning away from God leads to loss and devastation.
- Partial Redemption: Humility and repentance can mitigate divine wrath but do not erase all consequences.
The Man of God and Jeroboam ([02:34] - [23:00])
In 1 Kings 13, a narrative unfolds where a man of God from Judah prophesies against Jeroboam's altar in Bethel. Despite witnessing miracles, the man of God is deceived by another prophet who contradicts God's command, leading to his demise by a lion. This story underscores the peril of deviating from God's instructions and the importance of discernment in following true prophecy.
Key Points:
- Obedience to God's Word: The man's initial faithfulness leads to divine signs, while his deviation results in tragedy.
- Prophetic Integrity: Not all who proclaim God's word are genuine, necessitating vigilance.
Main Themes and Reflections
Faithfulness vs. Unfaithfulness ([17:16] - [20:37])
A central theme of the episode is the stark contrast between faithfulness and unfaithfulness. Fr. Mike emphasizes that faithfulness to God leads to divine blessings and success, while unfaithfulness brings about downfall and loss. This theme is illustrated through the actions of Rehoboam and Abijah:
- Rehoboam: Represents unfaithfulness, leading to the loss of prosperity and divine favor.
- Abijah: Embodies faithfulness, trusting in God during battle and securing victory over the rebellious Israel.
Notable Quote:
"God does not desire me to be successful. He merely desires me to be faithful." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([20:37])
Obedience to God's Word ([22:03] - [23:42])
Fr. Mike highlights the importance of unwavering obedience to God's commandments, even when faced with conflicting messages. The story of the man of God in 1 Kings 13 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from God's directives, even under the guise of divine intervention.
Notable Quote:
"We are called to do what we know God has called us to do. Even if someone were to say, hey, go against that, we would know that, no, God has not told me to go against that. I must be faithful to the Lord." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([23:19] - [23:42])
God's Love First ([16:00] - [16:50])
Transitioning to Song of Solomon, Fr. Mike interprets the poetic verses as a metaphor for God's proactive love and pursuit of humanity. He emphasizes that God initiates love, removing the burden of earning His affection, and invites believers to reciprocate this divine love.
Notable Quote:
"It's God who loves us first... He loves you first. And this is so important because that means we don't have to work for his love. That means we don't have to do anything to earn his love. He already loves you." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([16:00] - [16:50])
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Faith Over Obedience:
"Rehoboam turns against the Lord and loses everything his father and grandfather had built. It's a stark reminder of how easily a lifetime of virtue can be lost when we turn away from God." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([19:11] - [19:56])
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Prophetic Integrity:
"We are called to do what we know God has called us to do. Even if someone were to say, hey, go against that, we would know that, no, God has not told me to go against that." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([23:19] - [23:42])
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God's Proactive Love:
"It's God, who is the pursuer... God's desire is to love us, and our response is to accept and reciprocate that love." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([16:00] - [16:50])
Insights and Application
Fr. Mike draws parallels between the biblical narratives and modern life, urging listeners to prioritize faithfulness over personal success. The historical accounts of Rehoboam and Abijah serve as timeless lessons on the consequences of obedience and disobedience. Additionally, the insights from Song of Solomon encourage believers to embrace God's initiating love and respond with genuine affection and commitment.
Practical Applications:
- Discernment in Faith: Cultivate the ability to discern true prophetic guidance from false teachings.
- Prioritize Obedience: Align actions consistently with God's commandments, even when faced with challenges or temptations.
- Embrace God's Love: Recognize and accept God's unconditional love, allowing it to transform personal relationships and self-worth.
Conclusion
In Day 163: Faith Over Success, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines the stories of the divided kingdoms with the poetic expressions of love in Song of Solomon, presenting a holistic view of faithfulness, obedience, and divine love. The episode serves as a profound reminder that true success is rooted in steadfast faith and unwavering commitment to God's will. By reflecting on these ancient scriptures, listeners are encouraged to evaluate their own spiritual journeys and strive for a deeper, more authentic relationship with God.
Prayer Segment ([15:22] - [15:53])
Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, expressing gratitude for God's word and His relentless pursuit of humanity. The prayer highlights God's role in healing and bringing light into lives filled with darkness, seeking to offer praise and glory through all actions and words.
"Father in heaven, we give you praise. And we give you glory. We thank you so much for your word and for continuing to speak to us and for continuing to pursue us... In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([15:22] - [15:53])
Final Reflections ([16:00] - [23:59])
Fr. Mike reiterates the episode's themes, emphasizing that faithfulness to God is paramount. He urges listeners to remain vigilant against potential deviations from God's path, drawing strength from the examples of biblical figures. The episode ends with a personal touch, as Fr. Mike prays for the listeners and invites them to continue their journey of understanding and living through the lens of Scripture.
"I am praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." – Fr. Mike Schmitz ([23:49] - [23:59])
This episode of The Bible in a Year is a compelling exploration of faith, obedience, and divine love, offering valuable lessons for both personal growth and spiritual understanding.