Episode Summary: Day 166 – Responding in Faith
Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Release Date: June 15, 2025
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Bible Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition
Reading Plan: The Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins
1. Episode Overview
In Day 166: Responding in Faith, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a comprehensive exploration of selected biblical passages from 1 Kings, 2 Chronicles, and Song of Solomon. This episode delves into the narratives of Prophet Elijah, King Ahab, and King Jehoshaphat, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and the complexities of leadership.
2. Biblical Readings
a. 1 Kings 17-18: The Story of Elijah and Ahab
Fr. Mike begins with an in-depth reading of 1 Kings 17 and 18, introducing listeners to the prophet Elijah and his confrontations with King Ahab of Israel. Key events include:
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Elijah’s Prophecy of Drought (1 Kings 17:1): Elijah declares a severe drought, signaling God's judgment against Ahab's idolatry.
"Elijah, the Tishbite of Tishbe in Gilead said to Ahab, as the Lord, the God of Israel lives before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:10] -
Provision by Ravens and the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:2-24): Despite the drought, God provides for Elijah through ravens and later through a widow in Zarephath, emphasizing trust in God’s provision.
"Elijah responded in faith... He invites her to faithfulness, even when her son dies."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:45] -
Mount Carmel Showdown (1 Kings 18:20-46): Elijah challenges 450 prophets of Baal to demonstrate the true God by calling down fire. God responds miraculously, leading to the people’s acknowledgment of His sovereignty.
"The fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust and licked up the water that was in the trench."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:20] -
End of the Drought (1 Kings 18:45-46): Following the victory over Baal’s prophets, Elijah prays for rain, ending the drought and solidifying his role as God's prophet.
b. 2 Chronicles 18-19: Jehoshaphat’s Alliance and Reforms
Transitioning to 2 Chronicles 18 and 19, the focus shifts to King Jehoshaphat of Judah and his interactions with Ahab:
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Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab (2 Chronicles 18:1-34): Jehoshaphat aligns with the tumultuous King Ahab to wage war against Ramoth Gilead, showcasing the complexities of political alliances.
"Jehoshaphat made a marriage alliance with Ahab... 'Shall we go to battle against Ramoth Gilead, or shall I forbear?'"
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [55:10] -
Prophetic Conflict and Divine Judgment (2 Chronicles 18:32-34): The prophet Micaiah warns of defeat, revealing God’s disapproval of the alliance, which foretells Ahab’s demise.
"I saw all Israel scattered upon the mountains as sheep that have no shepherd."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [59:30] -
Jehoshaphat’s Reforms (2 Chronicles 19:1-11): Upon returning safely, Jehoshaphat implements judicial reforms, emphasizing justice and fear of the Lord among his judges.
"Consider what you do, for you are to judge not for man but for the Lord."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [65:15]
c. Song of Solomon 5: A Poem of Love and Longing
Fr. Mike concludes the readings with Song of Solomon Chapter 5, illustrating the intimate and poetic expressions of love between the bride and the groom:
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Expressions of Love and Desire: The chapter portrays deep affection and yearning, symbolizing the relationship between God and His people.
"My beloved is all radiant and ruddy, distinguished among ten thousand."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [73:50] -
Prayer for Divine Relationship: Fr. Mike includes a heartfelt prayer, intertwining the themes of the passage with personal reflections on God’s unwavering love.
"Father in heaven, we thank you for your love for us... Help us to respond to that call with our whole heart."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [80:30]
3. Reflections and Insights
Fr. Mike Schmitz offers profound insights into the biblical narratives, drawing parallels to contemporary faith journeys:
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Faith and Obedience: Elijah exemplifies unwavering faith by obeying God’s commands, even in dire circumstances. This serves as a model for believers to trust and act upon God’s word.
"Elijah is someone who listens to the Word of God and obeys the Word of God... He invites her to faithfulness."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [85:10] -
Commitment to God: The showdown at Mount Carmel underscores the importance of wholehearted commitment to God. The people’s indecision contrasts with Elijah’s steadfastness, highlighting the struggle between faithfulness and wavering allegiance.
"Elijah asks, how long will you go limping with your two different opinions?... There's a God who is committed."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [90:45] -
Complexity of Leadership: Jehoshaphat’s alliance with Ahab illustrates the challenges leaders face in balancing political alliances with spiritual integrity. Despite flaws, God recognizes and affirms Jehoshaphat’s genuine pursuit of righteousness.
"There is a sense where we can make those missteps like Jehoshaphat and still belong to the Lord fully."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [100:20] -
God’s Faithfulness Amidst Human Unfaithfulness: Fr. Mike emphasizes that God remains faithful and loving even when humans falter, embodying the central narrative of redemption and divine steadfastness.
"God is committed to being faithful to us when we're not faithful to Him."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [105:35]
4. Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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Elijah’s Declaration of Faith:
"Elijah responds in faith... He invites her to faithfulness, even when her son dies."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [18:45] -
The Power of God’s Response:
"The fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust and licked up the water that was in the trench."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [35:20] -
Jehoshaphat’s Judicial Reforms:
"Consider what you do, for you are to judge not for man but for the Lord."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [65:15] -
Commitment Over Indecision:
"Elijah asks, how long will you go limping with your two different opinions?... There's a God who is committed."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [90:45] -
God’s Unfailing Love:
"God is committed to being faithful to us when we're not faithful to Him."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [105:35]
5. Conclusion and Encouragement
Fr. Mike Schmitz wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to remain faithful and steadfast in their spiritual journeys. He highlights the enduring relevance of Elijah’s faith and Jehoshaphat’s reforms as models for contemporary Christian living. Fr. Mike also expresses gratitude for the listeners' dedication and extends heartfelt prayers for continued growth and understanding.
"You have the invitation to respond to a God who's completely faithful to us, but we're not always faithful to Him."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [115:50]
"I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [125:00]
Final Prayer
The episode concludes with a sincere prayer, reinforcing the themes of faithfulness and divine love:
"Father in heaven, we thank you, thank you for your love for us. We thank you for the way in which you reveal to us how you work again once again in history, how you work in our lives... Help us to respond to that call with our whole heart, our whole strength, our whole might, our whole mind, with everything. We are in Jesus name. In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [120:25]
Stay Connected:
To continue your journey through the Bible with Fr. Mike Schmitz, subscribe to The Bible in a Year podcast on your preferred platform and download the reading plan at ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
This episode offers a profound exploration of faith, leadership, and God’s unwavering commitment, providing listeners with both biblical knowledge and practical spiritual insights to apply in their daily lives.