Podcast Summary: Day 207 – "The Lord Will Come"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
• Host/Author: Ascension
• Episode: Day 207: The Lord Will Come
• Release Date: July 26, 2025
• Duration: 20-25 minutes
• Scripture Readings: Isaiah 34-36, Baruch 3-4, Proverbs 11:21-24 (Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition)

Episode Overview

In Day 207 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a profound exploration of God's judgment and salvation as depicted in Isaiah, Baruch, and Proverbs. This episode intricately weaves scripture readings with insightful reflections, offering listeners a deepened understanding of salvation history and God's enduring covenant with His people.

Scripture Readings

Isaiah 34-36

• Isaiah 34: Depicts God's wrath against the nations, specifically targeting Edom. The imagery is vivid, illustrating total destruction and desolation as a consequence of opposing God's people.
• Isaiah 35: Contrasts the previous chapter by portraying the Lord's promise of salvation. It paints a hopeful picture of transformation, where desolation turns to joy, and the redeemed walk confidently in God's presence.
• Isaiah 36: Narrates the confrontation between King Sennacherib of Assyria and King Hezekiah of Judah. The Assyrian ambassador, the Rabshakeh, attempts to intimidate Jerusalem's leaders, questioning their reliance on God versus Egypt.

Baruch 3-4

• Baruch 3-4: Emphasizes wisdom and God's enduring law. Baruch encourages Israel to seek wisdom, repent, and trust in God's promise of salvation despite their current exile and suffering.

Proverbs 11:21-24

• Proverbs 11:21-24: Offers practical wisdom contrasting the outcomes of the righteous and the wicked. It highlights themes of justice, generosity, and the ultimate destiny of individuals based on their moral choices.

Reflections and Discussions

Isaiah 34: Judgment on the Nations

Fr. Mike begins by addressing the intense imagery in Isaiah 34, emphasizing that God's wrath is not directed at Israel but at the nations that oppose Him. He notes:

"For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion." (00:12:45)

This underscores God's protective stance over His people, ensuring that their enemies face divine judgment.

Understanding Wilderness Imagery

A significant portion of the reflection centers on the concept of "wilderness" in the Bible. Fr. Mike clarifies a common misconception:

"When we hear that God is going to make a place a wilderness, that is judgment on that place. That is a positive thing." (00:14:30)

Contrary to modern romantic notions, the wilderness represents desolation and danger, signaling divine judgment rather than a retreat or escape.

Isaiah 35: The Promise of Salvation

Transitioning to Isaiah 35, Fr. Mike highlights the hopeful transformation promised by God:

"They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God." (00:18:10)

He encourages listeners to reflect on their personal anticipation of the Lord's return—whether it brings excitement and hope or fear and dread. This reflection ties back to one's personal image of God and their spiritual readiness.

Isaiah 36: Confrontation with Assyria

Fr. Mike revisits the familiar narrative of King Sennacherib's assault on Jerusalem. He expresses excitement about recounting this well-known story, connecting it to the broader theme of faith versus fear:

"You know this one. This is awesome." (00:23:50)

He emphasizes the resilience of Hezekiah and the faith of the people in God's deliverance despite overwhelming odds.

Baruch 3-4: Wisdom and Repentance

In discussing Baruch, Fr. Mike focuses on the personification of wisdom and Israel's neglect of it:

"If you had walked in the way of God, you would be dwelling in peace forever." (00:27:30)

He sees Baruch's message as a call to seek divine wisdom and return to God, reinforcing the necessity of repentance and reliance on God's enduring law.

Proverbs 11:21-24: Righteousness and Generosity

Fr. Mike briefly touches on the practical wisdom in Proverbs, contrasting the fates of the righteous and the wicked. He underscores the importance of living a life rooted in righteousness and generosity.

Notable Quotes

• On God's Judgment for Zion:

  "For the Lord has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion." (Isaiah 34:8, 00:12:45)

• On Wilderness as Judgment:

  "When we hear that God is going to make a place a wilderness, that is judgment on that place." (00:14:30)

• On the Return of the Lord:

  "They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God." (Isaiah 35:10, 00:18:10)

• On Seeking Wisdom:

  "If you had walked in the way of God, you would be dwelling in peace forever." (Baruch 3:24, 00:27:30)

• On Righteousness and Generosity:

  "Be assured, an evil man will not go unpunished. But those who are righteous will be delivered." (Proverbs 11:21, 00:30:15)

Insights and Conclusions

Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines the themes of judgment and salvation, illustrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant with Israel. By contrasting Isaiah's portrayal of divine wrath against the nations with the promise of redemption and restoration, he paints a comprehensive picture of God's character—just yet merciful.

Key takeaways from this episode include:

1. Divine Protection: God actively protects His people from their enemies, ensuring that justice prevails.
2. Wilderness as a Symbol: In biblical terms, a wilderness signifies divine judgment and desolation, contrary to modern interpretations of peace and beauty.
3. Hope in Salvation: Despite current hardships, God's promise of salvation brings everlasting joy and transformation.
4. Importance of Wisdom: Seeking divine wisdom is crucial for living a life aligned with God's will, leading to peace and understanding.
5. Righteous Living: A life of righteousness and generosity leads to divine favor and protection, while wickedness results in inevitable punishment.

Fr. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with God, their understanding of His character, and their readiness to embrace His promises of salvation. He emphasizes the transformative power of aligning one's life with God's word, fostering a life filled with hope, joy, and divine peace.

Closing Prayer

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer, where Fr. Mike expresses gratitude for God's word and the daily guidance provided through the podcast. He beseeches God for strength during challenging times and affirms his trust in God's unwavering love and faithfulness.

"Lord God, help us on our worst day. Help us on our worst day. Right now, God, we pray for the worst day of our life, that even in that day we can hear your voice. And on that day we can be faithful to your completely unstoppable and faithful love." (00:29:50)

The prayer encapsulates the central themes of the episode—trust in God's deliverance, appreciation for His guidance, and a plea for continued spiritual strength.

Conclusion

Day 207 of "The Bible in a Year" offers a profound journey through themes of divine judgment, protection, and salvation. Fr. Mike Schmitz adeptly guides listeners through complex scriptures, providing clarity and encouragement. Whether revisiting familiar stories or uncovering deeper theological insights, this episode serves as a compelling reminder of God's enduring covenant and the transformative power of His word in our lives.

Listen to the full episode here and continue your journey through the Bible with Fr. Mike Schmitz and Ascension.