Summary of "The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" - Day 175: Knowledge of God

Release Date: June 24, 2025
Episode Title: Day 175: Knowledge of God
Host: Ascension
Featuring: Jeff Cavins

Overview

In Day 175 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the profound themes of divine knowledge and intimacy with God through a detailed exploration of 2 Kings chapters 6 and 7, Hosea chapters 4-7, and Psalm 103. This episode intertwines biblical narratives with insightful reflections, highlighting the critical importance of knowing God intimately to prevent spiritual downfall.

Biblical Readings and Narratives

2 Kings 6-7: Miracles and Providence

The episode begins with the recounting of Elisha's miracles and his unwavering faith amidst adversity:

• Miracle of the Axe Head (2 Kings 6:1-7):
  Elisha performs a miracle by causing a borrowed axe head to float, demonstrating God's provision in times of need.

  "As he was still speaking with them, the king came down to him and said, 'This trouble is from the Lord.'" ([03:03])

• Assyrian Siege of Samaria (2 Kings 6-7):
  Elisha thwarts the Assyrian army's attempts to conquer Samaria by praying for their blindness and leading them into the city, where they later depart in confusion, leaving behind valuable resources.

  "Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, 'Strike this people, I pray you, with blindness.'" ([04:16])

• Desperate Measures During Siege:
  A poignant story mirrors historical events like the Roman siege of Jerusalem, where famine drives a woman to the extreme act of sacrificing her son for sustenance. Elisha's response underscores God's presence even in dire circumstances.

  "This woman cries out to the king, 'Give me justice.'" ([23:50])

Hosea 4-7: God's Rebuke for Israel's Apostasy

Fr. Mike transitions to the prophetic book of Hosea, emphasizing God's lament over Israel's moral and spiritual decay:

• Lack of Knowledge and Faithfulness (Hosea 4):
  God accuses Israel of abandoning knowledge and kindness, leading to societal collapse and divine judgment.

  "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." ([25:27])

• Intimate Knowledge of God (Hosea 4-7):
  The prophet calls for an intimate, transformative relationship with God rather than mere ritualistic practices. This knowledge is portrayed as essential for genuine spiritual vitality and societal well-being.

  "I desire mercy and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings." ([15:39])

Reflections and Insights

Fr. Mike Schmitz provides deep theological insights, connecting the biblical narratives to contemporary spiritual life:

• Elisha’s Divine Insight:
  Elisha's ability to perceive God's presence, despite his servant's blindness, serves as a metaphor for believers' need to see beyond physical realities to recognize God's active role in their lives.

  "God was not far, God was not distant." ([22:37])

• Intimate Knowledge vs. Intellectual Understanding:
  The emphasis is on cultivating a personal and relational knowledge of God, akin to the intimate understanding Adam had with Eve, rather than just intellectual comprehension or adherence to commandments.

  "Knowledge in this sense is intimate knowledge, it's firsthand knowledge." ([24:55])

• Consequences of Spiritual Blindness:
  Just as the servant's inability to see masked God's protection, a lack of intimate knowledge of God leads to spiritual vulnerabilities and societal turmoil.

  "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." ([25:27])

• Cultural Relevance:
  Fr. Mike draws parallels between ancient Israel's struggles and modern-day challenges, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God to navigate contemporary moral and spiritual crises.

  "In our culture... we need not just to hear these stories about God, but to actually get to know the heart of God." ([26:14])

Prayer and Worship

The episode culminates with a heartfelt rendition of Psalm 103, led by Jeff Cavins, which serves as a prayer of thanksgiving and a recognition of God's boundless mercy and compassion:

• Key Themes from Psalm 103:

  • Divine Forgiveness and Healing:

    "Who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases." ([10:32])

  • Mercy and Compassion:

    "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy." ([18:55])

  • Eternal Mercy:

    "The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear Him." ([19:46])

• Guided Prayer Highlights:
  The prayer emphasizes reliance on God's mercy, the transformation through His word, and a collective plea to "say yes" to God's will.

  "Help us to say yes to you this day and every day." ([20:43])

Conclusions and Takeaways

Fr. Mike Schmitz reinforces the episode's central message: Intimate knowledge of God is essential for personal spiritual growth and societal well-being. By engaging deeply with scripture and fostering a personal relationship with God, believers can navigate life's challenges with divine guidance and purpose.

• Call to Action:
  Encourage listeners to deepen their relationship with God through daily scripture reading, reflection, and prayer, aiming for a transformative understanding that shapes their worldview and actions.

• Final Encouragement:
  Fr. Mike expresses a heartfelt desire for listeners to experience God's love and transformative power, emphasizing community and personal growth.

  "We can actually get to know the heart of God by allowing these stories to transform our minds." ([25:15])

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz on Elisha's Insight:

  "He knows what's going on... Knowledge that the Lord has given to him." ([21:22])

• On Intimate Knowledge of God:

  "The whole point of this is to have a deeper and deeper knowledge of the One who created us, the One who redeemed us." ([26:52])

• On Transformation Through God's Word:

  "Let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is sure as the dawn." ([15:05])

Final Prayer

The episode concludes with a closing prayer, reiterating themes of mercy, forgiveness, and dependence on God's grace:

"Lord God, your mercy is limitless, it is unstoppable. Your mercy is given to us the most when we need it the most and deserve it the least." ([20:37])

"Help us to say yes to you this day and every day. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen." ([20:43])

Closing Remarks

Fr. Mike invites listeners to continue their journey with anticipation for the next day's episode, fostering a sense of community and ongoing spiritual growth.

"My name is Father Mike and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." ([27:02])

This episode masterfully intertwines scripture with lived experience, urging believers to seek a transformative and intimate relationship with God, essential for both personal salvation and communal harmony.