Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Episode: Day 201: Keys to the Kingdom
Release Date: July 20, 2025

Introduction

In Day 201 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz delves into a profound exploration of Isaiah chapters 21 and 22, Nahum chapter 3, and a passage from Proverbs 10:29-32. This episode, titled "Keys to the Kingdom," provides listeners with deep theological insights, practical applications, and heartfelt prayers to enhance their understanding of Scripture and its relevance to contemporary life.

Scripture Readings

Father Mike begins by outlining the day's readings:

• Isaiah 21-22: Prophecies concerning Babylon, Edom, Arabia, and the Valley of Vision.
• Nahum 3: A denouncement of the city of Nineveh and its impending doom.
• Proverbs 10:29-32: Contrasts between the righteous and the wicked.

He emphasizes the use of the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, and the Great Adventure Bible from Ascension as his primary texts.

Reflections and Insights

Isaiah 21-22: Prophecies and Their Fulfillment

Father Mike provides a detailed commentary on Isaiah's prophecies, explaining the geopolitical context of Persia's impending invasion of Babylon. He highlights the symbolic role of the "watchman" in Isaiah 21:6:

"Go set a watchman, let him declare what he sees." (Isaiah 21:6)
[00:15]

Father Mike draws a parallel between the ancient watchman and the modern Christian's role in society, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and declaration in faith:

"As Christians, one of our roles is to be those set on watchtowers… to declare what we see."
[35:20]

Isaiah 22: The Role of Al Habait and Fulfillment in the New Testament

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Isaiah 22, where Father Mike elucidates the roles of Shebna and Eliakim, the prime ministers of Judah. He connects these roles to the New Testament, particularly Matthew 16:19, where Jesus grants Peter the "keys to the kingdom of heaven":

"He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah."
[52:45]

Father Mike explains how Peter's role as the first Al Habait is foundational to the establishment of the Church's leadership structure:

"Here is Isaiah 22 fulfilled in Matthew, chapter 16… Peter is made into the first Al Habait."
[58:10]

Nahum 3: The Downfall of Nineveh

Father Mike briefly touches upon Nahum chapter 3, highlighting its vivid imagery of Nineveh's destruction as a lesson on divine justice and the consequences of moral corruption.

Proverbs 10:29-32: Wisdom of the Righteous

He reflects on the selected Proverbs, contrasting the stability provided by the righteous with the turmoil sown by the wicked:

"The Lord is a stronghold to him whose way is upright but destruction to evildoers."
[1:10:05]

Prayers and Applications

The episode transitions into a guided prayer, where Father Mike encourages listeners to seek righteousness, true relationships, and a heart aligned with God's will. He emphasizes the importance of wisdom and truth in daily living:

"Lord God, help us to have that knowledge, that wisdom, that we actually do speak what is true."
[1:02:30]

Connecting Old and New Testaments

Father Mike adeptly bridges the Old Testament prophecies with their fulfillment in the New Testament. He underscores how Jesus' establishment of His kingdom fulfills Isaiah's prophecies and grants authority to His followers:

"Jesus is the fulfillment of the entire Old Testament, the people of God… He will build his church upon this rock."
[1:05:15]

Understanding the Papacy

A notable discussion revolves around the role of the Pope as the Al Habait, the prime minister of the kingdom of God on earth. Father Mike addresses common misconceptions and reinforces the apostolic foundation of the papacy:

"The successors of Peter have always been considered to be the Al Habait… we call them the Holy Father."
[1:10:50]

He acknowledges human fallibility within this role, citing Peter's denial of Jesus and subsequent restoration:

"Even though Simon Peter had failed in his role, Jesus restored him to his role."
[1:12:05]

Conclusion and Benediction

Father Mike wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to embrace the gifts God bestows upon them, highlighting the continuous provision of spiritual gifts throughout one's life. He offers a final blessing and invites listeners to return the next day for further exploration of God's Word:

"God has given… gifts even when we don't even realize it."
[1:15:40]

Key Takeaways

• Vigilance in Faith: Christians are called to be like watchmen, steadfast in observing and declaring God's truth in a tumultuous world.
• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The roles and prophecies in Isaiah find their fulfillment in the New Testament, particularly in the leadership structure of the Church.
• Authority and Responsibility: The "keys to the kingdom" symbolize spiritual authority granted to leaders, emphasizing the balance between power and pastoral care.
• Righteous Living: Embracing wisdom and righteousness leads to stability and favor, contrasting the destructive paths of wickedness.
• Continuous Grace: Despite human failures, God's grace and restoration are ever-present, ensuring the continuity and resilience of His plans.

Notable Quotes

• "Go set a watchman, let him declare what he sees." (Isaiah 21:6) — [00:15]
• "As Christians, one of our roles is to be those set on watchtowers… to declare what we see." — [35:20]
• "He shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah." (Isaiah 22:21) — [52:45]
• "The Lord is a stronghold to him whose way is upright but destruction to evildoers." (Proverbs 10:29) — [1:10:05]
• "Even though Simon Peter had failed in his role, Jesus restored him to his role." — [1:12:05]
• "God has given… gifts even when we don't even realize it." — [1:15:40]

Final Thoughts

Day 201 of The Bible in a Year podcast offers a comprehensive and insightful analysis of prophetic literature and its fulfillment in Christian doctrine. Father Mike Schmitz effectively connects ancient texts to modern faith practices, encouraging listeners to live out their beliefs with wisdom, vigilance, and grace. This episode serves as a compelling guide for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Scripture and its application in today's world.