Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 173: Confidence in God
Release Date: June 22, 2025

Introduction

In Day 173 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a profound exploration of 2 Kings 4, 2 Chronicles 28, and Psalm 127. This episode delves into themes of faith, trust, leadership, and divine confidence, intertwining biblical narratives with contemporary reflections to inspire and strengthen listeners' spiritual journeys.

Scripture Readings and Discussions

2 Kings 4: Miracles of Elisha

The episode opens with Fr. Mike reading from 2 Kings 4, highlighting two significant miracles performed by the prophet Elisha:

1. The Widow's Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7)

   • Narrative: A widow approaches Elisha in desperation as her husband, a prophet's son, has died, leaving her with debts and the threat of her children being sold into slavery.
   • Elisha's Instruction: He advises her to gather as many empty vessels as possible and pour her remaining oil into them. Miraculously, the oil does not run out until the famine ends.
   • Key Quote:

     "Go outside... Borrow vessels of all your neighbors, empty vessels, and not too few. Then go in and shut the door upon yourself and your sons, and pour into all these vessels."
     [00:57]

2. The Restoration of the Shunammite's Son (2 Kings 4:8-37)

   • Narrative: Elisha befriends a wealthy Shunammite woman, who provides him with hospitality. In return, Elisha prophesies that she will bear a son. When the child later dies, Elisha raises him from the dead.
   • Reflection: Fr. Mike draws parallels between Elisha's miracles and the importance of faith and trust in God's provision, even amidst despair.
   • Key Quote:

     "When we know how the story ends, we wish we would have had the faith that we have at the end, at the beginning."
     [18:19]

2 Chronicles 28: The Reign of Ahaz

Transitioning to 2 Chronicles 28, the discussion centers on King Ahaz of Judah, whose reign is marked by unfaithfulness and idolatry:

• Ahaz’s Apostasy: Unlike his father David, Ahaz turns away from the Lord, adopting the practices of the kings of Israel, including the worship of Baal and idolatrous sacrifices.
• Consequences: His actions lead to military defeats by Syria and Israel, resulting in the captivity of a significant portion of Judah’s population.
• Prophetic Intervention: The prophet Oded intercedes on behalf of Judah, urging the captors to return the captives, emphasizing that their actions provoke God's wrath.
• Key Quote:

  "For Ahaz took from the house of the Lord and the house of the king and of the princes, and gave tribute to the king of Assyria. But it did not help him."
  [12:10]

Psalm 127: Dependence on God’s Blessing

Finally, Fr. Mike reads Psalm 127, a hymn that underscores the futility of human efforts without divine blessing:

• Theme: The Psalm emphasizes that building a home, guarding a city, and striving in life are all in vain without the Lord's guidance and blessing.
• Key Verses:

  "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain."
  [12:47]

Reflections and Insights

Fr. Mike bridges the biblical narratives with contemporary life, offering profound insights:

1. Faith Amid Uncertainty:

   • The widow’s act of faith in following Elisha’s instructions, despite having limited resources, serves as a testament to trusting God’s provision.
   • Quote:

     "This is this walking in faith. And when we know how the story ends, we would wish we had the faith that we have at the beginning."
     [18:20]

2. Leadership and Consequences:

   • King Ahaz's failure to lead Judah faithfully highlights the impact of leadership on a nation’s spiritual and physical well-being.
   • Quote:

     "Ahaz is not good... He offered up his own child in false worship."
     [15:01]

3. Dependence on God’s Provision:

   • Psalm 127 reinforces the message that all human endeavors are meaningful only when aligned with God’s will and blessing.
   • Quote:

     "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil."
     [12:52]

4. Hope and Restoration:

   • The resurrection of the Shunammite’s son by Elisha symbolizes hope and the possibility of restoration, even in the bleakest circumstances.
   • Quote:

     "He will make all things new. So, brothers and sisters, those of us who have been through loss... we are praying now for our brothers and sisters who are in the midst of loss."
     [22:12]

Prayer and Community Support

The episode culminates with a heartfelt prayer, encouraging listeners to trust in God's ultimate plan and to support one another through times of loss and hardship:

• Prayer Highlights:
  • Dependence on God: Affirming that all strength, wisdom, and life come from God.
  • Community Support: Emphasizing the role of the community in lifting up those who are grieving or struggling.
  • Hope in Restoration: Trusting in Christ’s power to restore and renew all things.
• Key Quote:

  "Those of us who have been through loss have been through pain and trust the Lord. We are praying now for our brothers and sisters who are in the midst of loss."
  [22:34]

Concluding Thoughts

Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively intertwines the narratives of Elisha's miracles, King Ahaz's failures, and the wisdom of Psalm 127 to present a cohesive message about confidence in God. The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of unwavering faith, the consequences of spiritual neglect, and the assurance that God’s plan ultimately leads to restoration and hope.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own journeys of faith, trust in God's provision, and support their fellow believers in times of need. The episode beautifully encapsulates the essence of walking by faith, understanding God’s grand narrative, and finding confidence in His unwavering promises.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Elisha’s Instruction to the Widow:

  "Go outside... Borrow vessels of all your neighbors, empty vessels, and not too few. Then go in and shut the door upon yourself and your sons, and pour into all these vessels."
  [00:57]

• Reflection on Faith:

  "When we know how the story ends, we wish we would have had the faith that we have at the end, at the beginning."
  [18:19]

• Ahaz’s Apostasy:

  "For Ahaz took from the house of the Lord and the house of the king and of the princes, and gave tribute to the king of Assyria. But it did not help him."
  [12:10]

• Dependence on God’s Blessing:

  "It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil."
  [12:52]

• Hope in Restoration:

  "He will make all things new. So, brothers and sisters, those of us who have been through loss... we are praying now for our brothers and sisters who are in the midst of loss."
  [22:12]

This episode of The Bible in a Year not only elucidates critical biblical passages but also offers timeless lessons on faith, leadership, and reliance on divine providence. Through Fr. Mike Schmitz’s engaging commentary, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how these scriptures are interwoven into the broader narrative of salvation history and their personal lives.