Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Episode: Day 172: Uzziah's Pride
Release Date: June 21, 2025

Introduction

In Day 172 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the complexities of leadership, pride, and faith as he explores the biblical narratives of King Uzziah and King Jotham. This episode interweaves readings from 2 Kings Chapter 3, 2 Chronicles Chapters 26 and 27, and concluding with a heartfelt prayer from Psalm 72. Utilizing the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, Fr. Mike provides context and connections that illuminate the overarching story of salvation history.

Scripture Readings

• 2 Kings Chapter 3: Chronicles the alliance between the kings of Israel, Judah, and Edom against Moab, highlighting the miraculous intervention of the prophet Elisha.
• 2 Chronicles Chapters 26 and 27: Focuses on the reigns of King Uzziah of Judah, his accomplishments, subsequent pride, and the rise of his son, King Jotham.
• Psalm 72: A prayer for the king, invoking God’s justice, righteousness, and blessings upon his reign.

Alliance Against Moab (2 Kings 3)

Fr. Mike begins by summarizing the diplomatic and military alliance formed among Jehoram, King of Israel (2 Kings 3:1-10), Jehoshaphat, King of Judah (2 Kings 3:1-10), and the unnamed King of Edom (2 Kings 3:1-10). These three nations banded together to confront Moab after King Mesha of Moab rebelled against Israel’s dominance.

• Elisha’s Miraculous Intervention: As the allied armies journey through the wilderness of Edom, they face a severe water shortage (2 Kings 3:7-9). In desperation, Jehoram calls for a prophet, and Elisha is brought forth. Initially resistant, Elisha eventually performs a miracle, filling the dry streambed with water, which leads the Moabites to mistakenly believe the allied forces have decimated each other (2 Kings 3:14-27).

  • Notable Quote:

    "The word of the Lord is with him." (2 Kings 3:23) – Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes Elisha's unwavering connection to God despite initial reluctance.

This divine provision not only provides sustenance but also demoralizes the Moabites, leading to their swift defeat.

King Uzziah: A Tale of Success and Downfall (2 Chronicles 26)

Transitioning to 2 Chronicles 26, Fr. Mike introduces King Uzziah of Judah, who ascended the throne at just 16 years old and ruled for 52 years in Jerusalem. His reign is marked by notable achievements:

• Military Exploits and Infrastructure: Uzziah fortified Jerusalem, built towers, and developed agricultural prosperity. He amassed a formidable army of 307,500 soldiers (2 Chronicles 26:6-15), enhancing Judah’s strength and reputation.

• Divine Favor: Uzziah's dedication to seeking God brought about unprecedented success. As long as he sought the Lord, his endeavors thrived (2 Chronicles 26:5-15).

  • Notable Quote:

    "And as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper." (2 Chronicles 26:15) – This highlights the direct correlation between Uzziah’s faithfulness and his prosperity.

However, Uzziah’s story takes a pivotal turn:

• Pride and Transgression: Upon achieving significant power, Uzziah's pride leads him to overstep divine boundaries. He unlawfully enters the Holy Temple to burn incense, a duty reserved for the Levitical priests (2 Chronicles 26:16-21).

  • Notable Quote:

    "But when he was strong, he grew proud to his destruction." (2 Chronicles 26:16) – Fr. Mike underscores the tragic flaw of pride even among the righteous.

• Divine Judgment: His act of arrogance results in God striking him with leprosy, forcing him to live in isolation until his death (2 Chronicles 26:21-23).

King Jotham: Continuation of Righteous Leadership (2 Chronicles 27)

Following Uzziah, Jotham, his son, ascends to the throne at 25 years old, reigning for 16 years (2 Chronicles 27:1-2). Unlike his father’s downfall, Jotham maintains a faithful leadership:

• Military Success and Prosperity: Jotham successfully defends Judah against the Ammonites, who pay him tribute (2 Chronicles 27:5-10). His reign is marked by continued prosperity and adherence to God’s ways.

  • Notable Quote:

    "Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God." (2 Chronicles 27:9) – Emphasizing the importance of maintaining righteousness for sustained leadership.

• Infrastructure and Peace: He contributes to the building of Jerusalem’s infrastructure, including the upper gate of the temple and various fortifications, fostering both security and spiritual integrity (2 Chronicles 27:3-4).

Prayer for the King (Psalm 72)

Concluding the episode, Fr. Mike reads and reflects upon Psalm 72, a royal psalm attributed to Solomon, which serves as a prayer for the king’s just and righteous reign.

• Themes:

  • Justice and Righteousness: The psalm implores God to grant the king justice and righteousness, ensuring fair governance.

  • Prosperity and Peace: It petitions for the king to cultivate abundance and peace throughout the land.

  • Divine Protection: Requests God's protection against the king’s enemies and for the king to be a deliverer for the needy.

  • Notable Quote:

    "Give deliverance to the needy and crush the oppressor." (Psalm 72:14) – Highlighting the king’s role as a protector and advocate for the marginalized.

Fr. Mike emphasizes the enduring relevance of these prayers, encouraging listeners to seek God's guidance and justice in leadership roles.

Insights and Reflections

Throughout the episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz draws parallels between the biblical narratives and contemporary life:

• The Dangers of Pride: Uzziah’s downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of pride and overstepping boundaries, regardless of prior faithfulness.

  • Notable Quote:

    "That's what all of us can do. Like, listen, you know, I, I, I've done all these things. God has been with me, he's blessed me. I'm just going to do it my own way now." (14:47) – Fr. Mike relates Uzziah’s pride to common human tendencies to rely on personal strength rather than divine guidance.

• Faithfulness Rewards: Contrastingly, Jotham's reign exemplifies how steadfastness and devotion to God yield prosperity and effective leadership.

  • Notable Quote:

    "Jotham became mighty because he ordered his ways before the Lord his God." (09:17) – Reinforcing the blessings that follow a life committed to righteousness.

• Role of Divine Intervention: The story of the alliance against Moab underscores the importance of seeking and recognizing God's intervention in times of crisis.

  • Notable Quote:

    "The power of the Lord came upon him." (03:07) – Emphasizing that true strength and victory come from divine support.

Looking Forward

Fr. Mike previews upcoming content, mentioning a temporary shift to explore the prophets Hosea, Amos, Jonah, and Micah. This interlude aims to deepen the understanding of prophetic voices within the larger biblical narrative before returning to 2 Chronicles during the period of exile.

Conclusion and Prayer

The episode concludes with a communal prayer, invoking God’s blessings, justice, and enduring presence. Fr. Mike fosters a sense of shared spiritual journey, encouraging mutual prayers and reflections as listeners continue to traverse the Bible year-long.

• Final Prayer Excerpts:

  "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things." (11:33)
  "In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." (12:10)

Fr. Mike’s closing remarks are both a benediction and an exhortation to live out the lessons gleaned from Scripture, fostering a deeper connection with God’s Word.

Key Takeaways

1. Humility Over Pride: Leaders must remain humble and adhere to God's commandments, avoiding the pitfalls of pride that can lead to downfall.
2. Faithfulness Yields Success: Consistent devotion to God brings about prosperity and effective leadership.
3. Divine Guidance in Alliances: Seeking God’s counsel and intervention is crucial in collective endeavors and conflicts.
4. Role of Prophets and Prayer: Prophetic voices and heartfelt prayers are integral in maintaining a righteous and just society.

This comprehensive exploration in Day 172 encapsulates the rich narratives of leadership, faith, and human frailty, offering listeners profound insights into the timeless lessons of the Bible.