Summary of "The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)" - Episode: Day 202: God's Judgment (2025)

Introduction

In Day 202 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into profound themes of divine judgment and human accountability through his exploration of select Biblical passages. This episode, titled "God's Judgment," navigates through Isaiah chapters 23 and 24, Habakkuk chapters 1 and 2, and Proverbs 11:1-4, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of prophetic messages and their relevance today.

Exploring the Book of Isaiah: Chapters 23 and 24

Fr. Mike begins by reading Isaiah chapters 23 and 24, focusing on the oracles against Tyre and the impending judgment on the earth.

Oracle Concerning Tyre (Isaiah 23)

Isaiah 23 is an oracle against Tyre, a wealthy and powerful coastal city. Fr. Mike emphasizes the prophetic language used to convey Tyre's downfall due to its pride and reliance on wealth rather than on God.

• Wealth and Pride: Tyre's prosperity leads to arrogance, causing the inhabitants to forget their Creator. As Fr. Mike reads, "the Lord of hosts has purposed it to defile the pride of all glory, to dishonor all the honored of the earth" [Isaiah 23:9, 00:15].

• Impending Destruction: The prophecy foretells Tyre's devastation by the Chaldeans, highlighting that even after reconstruction, Tyre will revert to its former ways. Fr. Mike reflects, "Tyre will be forgotten for 70 years... ultimately her merchandise will supply abundant food and fine clothing for those who dwell before the Lord" [Isaiah 23:15, 23:18, 12:30].

• Christian Restoration: He also touches upon Tyre's eventual recognition of God, noting its early Christian community and enduring faith despite historical adversities.

Impending Judgment on the Earth (Isaiah 24)

Continuing with Isaiah 24, Fr. Mike discusses the universal scope of God's judgment.

• Universal Desolation: The chapter portrays a world under severe judgment, where "the earth is torn apart" and "the foundations of the earth tremble" [Isaiah 24:18-19, 28:45].

• Comprehensive Impact: Fr. Mike underscores that this judgment affects everyone, from slaves to masters, emphasizing the universality of divine accountability.

• God’s Sovereignty: Despite the devastation, there is a promise of God's ultimate reign: "the Lord of hosts will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem" [Isaiah 24:23, 35:20]. This serves as both a warning and a reassurance of God's enduring sovereignty.

The Book of Habakkuk: Chapters 1 and 2

Fr. Mike transitions to Habakkuk, highlighting its unique position as a prophet's direct dialogue with God.

Habakkuk’s Complaint (Chapter 1)

• Injustice and Violence: Habakkuk laments the prevalence of violence and injustice, questioning why God seemingly allows wrongdoing to prosper. He declares, "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not hear?" [Habakkuk 1:2-3, 45:10].

• Suffering Righteousness: The prophet observes that the wicked surround and oppress the righteous, leading to a crisis of faith and trust in divine justice.

God’s Response and the Five Woes (Chapter 2)

• Divine Assurance: God responds by assuring Habakkuk that justice will prevail. Fr. Mike highlights the verse, "the righteous shall live by his faith" [Habakkuk 2:4, 58:25], emphasizing steadfast faith amidst turmoil.

• Five Woes: God outlines five specific condemnations (woes) against societal ills:

  1. Unjust Economics: "Woe to those who practice unjust economics."

  2. Exploitation of Labor: "Woe to those who employ slave labor."

  3. Corrupt Leadership: "Woe to irresponsible leaders who make their neighbors drink of the cup of his wrath."

  4. Idolatry: "Woe to those who trust in idols."

  5. General Injustice: These woes collectively address systemic injustices that lead to societal decay.

• Universal Application: Fr. Mike draws parallels between ancient Babylonian practices and contemporary global issues, asserting that these woes are not confined to a specific time or place but resonate universally.

Reflections on Proverbs 11:1-4

The episode also includes a reading from Proverbs 11:1-4, shedding light on the importance of integrity and righteousness.

• Just Transactions: "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight" [Proverbs 11:1, 67:50]. Fr. Mike discusses the ethical implications of honesty in commerce and personal dealings.

• Humility vs. Pride: The contrast between pride leading to disgrace and humility fostering wisdom is explored, reinforcing the Biblical principle that integrity guides one’s path while deceit leads to downfall.

• Righteousness Over Wealth: "Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death" [Proverbs 11:4, 73:15]. This underscores the transient nature of material wealth compared to the enduring value of moral virtue.

Prayer and Personal Application

Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, aligning personal aspirations with divine wisdom:

"Every time we hear your word, Lord, in Proverbs... we ask for right relationship in ourselves... Help us to say yes to you to your wisdom and to walk in wisdom this day and every day."

This prayer encapsulates the episode’s central message—embracing divine wisdom and integrity as guides through life's challenges and judgments.

Encouragement and Closing Thoughts

Acknowledging the challenging nature of prophetic texts, Fr. Mike offers encouragement to listeners:

• Persistence in Study: He anticipates that the prophet sections will be among the most demanding but assures that continued engagement will yield deeper understanding and spiritual growth.

• Contextual Understanding: Fr. Mike advises listeners to seek contextual meaning, recognizing both historical significance and contemporary relevance, encouraging them to "keep on walking, keep on reading, keep on listening, keep on pressing play."

• Community and Prayer: He fosters a sense of community and mutual support, urging listeners to pray for one another as they navigate complex Biblical narratives.

Notable Quotes from the Episode

• Introduction to Prophetic Themes:

  "The Bible in a Year podcast... discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story." [00:04]

• Reflection on Tyre’s Downfall:

  "Tyre will be forgotten for 70 years like the days of one king." [Isaiah 23:15, 12:30]

• Habakkuk’s Struggle with Injustice:

  "O Lord, how long shall I cry for help and you will not hear?" [Habakkuk 1:2, 45:10]

• Promise of Righteousness:

  "The righteous shall live by his faith." [Habakkuk 2:4, 58:25]

• Ethics in Proverbs:

  "A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is his delight." [Proverbs 11:1, 67:50]

Conclusion

Day 202 of "The Bible in a Year" serves as a profound exploration of divine judgment, human responsibility, and the enduring promise of God's sovereignty. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully weaves historical prophetic messages with timeless spiritual truths, encouraging listeners to comprehend and embrace the complexities of Scripture. Through reflective readings, insightful commentary, and heartfelt prayer, this episode invites believers to deepen their understanding of God's Word and its application in their daily lives.