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

Episode: Day 186: Struggles with Self-Interest
Release Date: July 5, 2025

Overview

In Day 186 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into the complex narrative of King Hezekiah from 2 Kings chapter 20 and 2 Chronicles chapter 31, supplemented by a prayerful reflection on Psalm 144. This episode, lasting approximately 20 minutes, explores themes of faithfulness, leadership, self-interest, and the consequences of actions driven by personal motives.

Scripture Readings

1. 2 Kings 20

   • Hezekiah's Illness and Miracle (00:00 - 12:30):
     The episode begins with King Hezekiah falling gravely ill. The prophet Isaiah delivers God's grim prediction of Hezekiah's impending death. In a moment of desperation, Hezekiah earnestly prays to the Lord, pleading, "Remember now, O Lord, I beg you, how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight" (02:15). Moved by Hezekiah's sincerity, God miraculously grants him an additional 15 years of life and safeguards Jerusalem from the Assyrian king.

2. 2 Chronicles 31

   • Reinstitution of Worship and Self-Interest (12:31 - 19:45):
     Transitioning to Chronicles, Fr. Mike highlights Hezekiah's efforts to restore proper worship practices. The king mobilizes the Israelites to dismantle pagan shrines and reinstate the worship of the Lord. Notably, Hezekiah organizes the priests and Levites meticulously, ensuring that contributions are appropriately allocated for sacrifices and services (16:50). However, Fr. Mike points out a subtle shift in Hezekiah's demeanor as he seeks validation from Babylonian envoys, showcasing a struggle between genuine faithfulness and self-interest.

3. Psalm 144

   • Prayer for National Deliverance (19:45 - 20:00):
     Concluding the readings, Psalm 144 serves as a heartfelt prayer for protection, prosperity, and divine guidance. Fr. Mike emphasizes the communal aspect of the prayer, reflecting a nation seeking God's favor and deliverance.

Reflections and Insights

Hezekiah’s Faithfulness vs. Self-Interest (12:30 - 18:00):

Fr. Mike commends Hezekiah for his unwavering faith and dedication to God, especially in reinstating worship and organizing the priestly divisions. However, Hezekiah's encounter with Babylonian envoys reveals a moment of vulnerability where his desire to impress leads him to expose his kingdom's treasures and secrets. Fr. Mike remarks:

"Hezekiah says to Isaiah, 'the word of the Lord which you have spoken is good, for he thought, why not, if there will be peace and security in my days.' That there will be peace and security in my days." (14:20)

This statement underscores Hezekiah's reliance on his own security rather than solely on God's protection. Fr. Mike highlights this as a relatable human flaw—struggling between trusting God fully and seeking personal assurance.

The Consequences of Self-Interest (18:00 - 25:00):

The revelation that Babylonian envoys would eventually lead to the nation's downfall serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of actions driven by self-interest. Fr. Mike connects this to a broader spiritual lesson:

"We put no trust in princes. [...] We trust in the Lord. [...] We know that no matter how good a king is, they're also going to be fallen." (19:30)

He encourages listeners to evaluate their motivations, ensuring that their actions align with genuine faith rather than personal gain or recognition.

Encouragement for the Journey (25:00 - End):

Fr. Mike transitions to a collective reflection, urging listeners to support one another in their Bible journey. He emphasizes the importance of praying not only for oneself but also for fellow believers, both present and future:

"Please pray for those behind you, pray for those who will be coming, because I'm praying for you. Please pray for me. Let's pray for each other." (24:50)

This communal approach fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among listeners, reinforcing the podcast's mission to cultivate a deeper understanding of Scripture.

Conclusion

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully balances the historical account of King Hezekiah with contemporary spiritual lessons. By examining Hezekiah's strengths and shortcomings, listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own faith journeys, striving to prioritize divine trust over personal ambitions. The integration of Psalm 144 provides a prayerful closure, reinforcing themes of deliverance and divine support. Overall, Day 186 serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between faithfulness and self-interest, offering valuable insights for spiritual growth.

Notable Quotes:

• "Hezekiah says to Isaiah, 'the word of the Lord which you have spoken is good, for he thought, why not, if there will be peace and security in my days.'" (14:20)

• "We put no trust in princes. [...] We trust in the Lord." (19:30)

• "Please pray for those behind you, pray for those who will be coming, because I'm praying for you." (24:50)

Prayer:

Fr. Mike concludes with a heartfelt prayer from Psalm 144, encapsulating the episode's themes and inviting listeners to internalize the blessings and protections sought within the scripture.

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of Day 186, providing listeners and potential new audiences with valuable insights into the episode's discussions and lessons.