Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Episode: Day 164: Tearing Down Idols
Release Date: June 13, 2025

Introduction

In Day 164: Tearing Down Idols, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a profound exploration of biblical texts, focusing on the themes of idolatry, repentance, and wholehearted devotion to God. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike delves into 1 Kings 14, 2 Chronicles 14-15, and Song of Solomon 3, providing insightful commentary and practical reflections to help listeners understand the continuity of salvation history and its application in their lives.

Scripture Readings

1. 1 Kings Chapter 14

Fr. Mike begins the episode by reading 1 Kings 14, which details the decline of King Jeroboam's house due to his persistent idolatry and disobedience to God. The chapter highlights the prophecy of Ahijah against Jeroboam, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

• Key Points:
  • Jeroboam's Deception: Jeroboam sends his wife to Ahijah the prophet disguised, seeking a prophecy about their sick son, Abijah.
  • Prophetic Judgment: Ahijah condemns Jeroboam for his idolatry, stating, "You have made for yourself other gods and molten images, provoking me to anger" (1 Kings 14:16).
  • Consequences: God declares the impending downfall of Jeroboam's lineage and the eventual scattering of Israel beyond the Euphrates due to their continued sins.

2. 2 Chronicles Chapters 14-15

Fr. Mike transitions to 2 Chronicles 14-15, focusing on King Asa of Judah, who stands in stark contrast to Jeroboam's unfaithfulness. Asa's reign is marked by significant religious reforms and military victories, showcasing a return to wholehearted devotion to God.

• Key Points:
  • Asa's Reforms: Asa removes foreign altars, high places, pillars, and Asherim, commanding Judah to seek the Lord diligently (2 Chronicles 14:3).
  • Military Victory: Under Asa's leadership, Judah defeats a vast Ethiopian army through reliance on God, demonstrating the power of faith over mere military might (2 Chronicles 14:9).
  • Azariah's Prophecy: The Spirit of God inspires Azariah to encourage Asa and the people to remain steadfast in their devotion, warning against forsaking God (2 Chronicles 15:1).
  • Covenant Renewal: Asa gathers the people to make a covenant to seek the Lord with all their heart and soul, emphasizing personal and communal commitment (2 Chronicles 15:8).

3. Song of Solomon Chapter 3

Fr. Mike reads Song of Solomon 3, a poetic chapter that metaphorically explores themes of love, pursuit, and divine presence. This reading serves as a reflective contrast to the historical accounts of Kings and their spiritual journeys.

• Key Points:
  • Seeking the Beloved: The bride expresses her earnest search for her beloved, symbolizing the soul's pursuit of God (Song of Solomon 3:1-4).
  • God's Majesty: The description of Solomon's palanquin adorned with precious materials underscores the splendor and glory of God's presence (Song of Solomon 3:7-8).
  • Invitation to Worship: The chapter concludes with a call to witness the glory of King Solomon, paralleling the call to recognize and honor God's majesty in one's life (Song of Solomon 3:11).

Reflections and Insights

The Reality of Human Frailty

Fr. Mike emphasizes that even those in positions of power and influence, such as kings and queens, are not immune to life's challenges. He reflects:

"Even billionaires get sick, even kings and queens get old, that every one of us experiences loss." (Approx. 12:30)

This insight serves as a reminder of our shared human experience and the importance of turning to God in times of distress.

False Security in Materialism

Jeroboam's reliance on the temples, altars, and wealth he accumulated as sources of security is contrasted with genuine faith. Fr. Mike points out:

"When it comes to worship of God, we forget about our preference when it comes to our living... we realize, oh, I need to turn back to the Lord." (Approx. 18:45)

This highlights the folly of placing trust in material possessions rather than in God's providence.

Commitment to Removing Idols

Drawing from Asa's reforms, Fr. Mike underscores the necessity of removing personal idols to fully commit to God. He challenges listeners to introspect:

"Do I have idols in my life? Do I have temples in my life that need to be cut down?" (Approx. 25:10)

This call to action encourages believers to identify and eliminate anything that detracts from their relationship with God.

Sacrificial Worship and Trust

Fr. Mike discusses the importance of offering the "first fruits" of blessings to God as an expression of trust and gratitude. He states:

"When we give them to him, one of the things we're declaring is God: You are God and we're not." (Approx. 27:35)

This act of worship signifies acknowledging God's sovereignty and our dependence on Him.

Application and Takeaways

1. Identify and Dismantle Idols: Reflect on areas of life where personal idols may exist and take deliberate steps to remove them, prioritizing God above all else.

2. Offer First Fruits: Commit to giving the best of your blessings to God as a tangible expression of trust and gratitude.

3. Wholehearted Devotion: Strive for a heart fully devoted to God, aligning actions with faith to demonstrate true commitment.

4. Community Support: Engage with a community of believers who support and pray for one another, fostering spiritual growth and accountability.

Prayer and Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, emphasizing the transformative power of God's love and the desire to live as His beloved sons and daughters. He implores:

"This day, help us to live in your love, help us to receive that life and help us to walk this day as your beloved sons and as your beloved daughters..." (Approx. 30:00)

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to pray for one another, reinforcing the importance of community in spiritual journeys. He ends with a benediction, inviting listeners to continue their pursuit of God with renewed commitment and grace.

Final Thoughts

In Day 164: Tearing Down Idols, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines historical biblical narratives with contemporary reflections, urging listeners to examine their own lives for idols and renew their commitment to wholehearted faith. By highlighting the successes and failures of kings like Jeroboam and Asa, the episode serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of Scripture in guiding personal and communal devotion to God.

Listeners are left with practical applications to dismantle personal idols, offer sincere worship, and cultivate a heart fully devoted to the Lord, all underscored by the transformative love and grace of God.

Note: The transcript provided included only one timestamp ([00:04]). Therefore, all other timestamps in this summary are approximate and intended to guide the placement of specific quotes within the episode's structure.