Podcast Summary: "Day 227: The Towering Cedar"
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Host/Author: Ascension
- Description: In "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through the entire Bible in 365 episodes, offering commentary, reflection, and prayer. This podcast employs The Great Adventure Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins to provide a comprehensive understanding of salvation history.
Episode Overview: Day 227 - The Towering Cedar
- Release Date: August 15, 2025
- Scripture Readings:
- Jeremiah 4
- Ezekiel 31 & 32
- Proverbs 14:17-20
- Bible Translation: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition
- Reading Plan Resource: Ascension Press - Bible in a Year
Scripture Readings
Jeremiah 4
Fr. Mike Schmitz begins with a poignant passage from Jeremiah, where the prophet calls for Israel's repentance:
"If you return, O Israel, says the Lord, you should return. If you remove your abominations from my presence and do not waver..."
(Jeremiah 4:1, Revised Standard Version, 00:05)
The chapter highlights the looming judgment against Judah and Jerusalem due to their persistent wickedness and misplaced trust in nations like Egypt and Assyria.
Ezekiel 31 & 32
Ezekiel's prophecy against Pharaoh is vividly depicted through the metaphor of a towering cedar:
"Behold, I will liken you to a cedar in Lebanon, with fair branches and forest shade, and of great height..."
(Ezekiel 31:3, 05:30)
Chapters 31 and 32 extend this imagery, forecasting the downfall of Egypt and its ruler, symbolized as a majestic tree brought low by divine judgment.
Proverbs 14:17-20
A brief yet impactful reading from Proverbs underscores the contrast between folly and prudence:
"A man of quick temper acts foolishly, but a man of discretion is patient. The simple acquire folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge."
(Proverbs 14:17, 25:00)
Reflections and Insights
The Fall of Mighty Nations: Ezekiel's Vision
Fr. Mike delves into Ezekiel’s portrayal of Pharaoh and Egypt as a towering cedar, majestic and providing shelter to other nations. This metaphor serves to illustrate the:
- Pride and Self-Reliance: Egypt’s self-sufficiency and alliance-building masked its dependence on earthly power rather than divine providence.
- Divine Judgment: Despite its grandeur, Egypt’s arrogance led to its inevitable downfall, as pronounced in Ezekiel 31:15:
"When it goes down to Sheol, I will make the deep mourn for it and restrain its rivers..."
(Ezekiel 31:15, 15:45)
Fr. Mike emphasizes that the collapse of such a powerful nation underscores the futility of placing trust in earthly powers over God.
Jeremiah's Lament and Call to Repentance
Transitioning to Jeremiah, Fr. Mike highlights the prophet's anguish and urgency in conveying God's message:
-
Immediate Danger: Jeremiah warns of impending invasion and destruction, urging immediate repentance to avert disaster.
-
Human Folly: The people’s inability to discern good from evil reflects a deeper spiritual deficiency:
"They are skilled in doing evil, but how to do good they know not."
(Jeremiah 4:22, 22:10)
Fr. Mike connects this to contemporary struggles, pointing out how society often excels in wrongdoing but falters in virtuous actions.
Proverbs: The Wisdom of Patience and Prudence
The selected Proverbs passage serves as a counterbalance to the themes in Jeremiah and Ezekiel:
- Patience vs. Anger: Fr. Mike underscores the value of patience and discretion over quick-tempered reactions.
- Folly vs. Knowledge: Emphasizing that prudence leads to true wisdom, contrasting with the folly that leads to destruction.
Application to Daily Life
Fr. Mike ties the biblical messages to modern-day experiences:
- Trust in Divine Providence: Just as ancient nations relied on their might, individuals today may place undue trust in wealth, status, or other worldly securities instead of God.
- Repentance and Humility: Emulating Jeremiah’s call, believers are encouraged to seek repentance and cultivate humility to align their lives with divine will.
- Wisdom in Actions: Drawing from Proverbs, the importance of cultivating patience and prudence is highlighted as essential for a virtuous life.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
On the Role of Scripture in Life:
"It is your journey story, your word yourself. Journeying through us, making your way through our minds, to our hearts, into our actions..."
(00:40) -
On Human Nature and Virtue:
"They have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil, but how to do good they know not."
(Jeremiah 4 Reflection, 37:20) -
On Divine Judgment and Trust:
"Thus says the Lord God... when it goes down to Sheol, I will make the deep mourn for it."
(Ezekiel 31 Reflection, 15:45) -
On the Heart of Jeremiah:
"My anguish, my anguish, I writhe in pain o'er the walls of my heart... the alarm of war."
(Jeremiah 4:19, 28:10) -
Prayer for Virtue and Wisdom:
"Help us to build our lives upon you, upon Jesus Christ the rock... help us to be skilled at being virtuous."
(Closing Prayer, 50:00)
Conclusions and Takeaways
In "Day 227: The Towering Cedar," Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines the lessons from Jeremiah and Ezekiel to convey timeless truths about human pride, the consequences of misplaced trust, and the enduring call to repentance and virtue. By examining the downfall of mighty nations like Egypt and Judah, listeners are reminded to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly dependencies. Additionally, the reflection on Proverbs reinforces the necessity of cultivating patience and prudence to navigate life's challenges.
Key Takeaways:
- Divine Sovereignty: Understanding that true security lies in God, not in earthly powers or alliances.
- Repentance is Essential: A heartfelt return to God is crucial to avert impending judgment and restore spiritual well-being.
- Cultivating Virtue: Actively seeking wisdom and patience fosters a life aligned with divine purpose and righteousness.
Closing Prayer
Fr. Mike concludes the episode with a heartfelt prayer, seeking God’s guidance to live lives built upon truth and wisdom, empowered by the Holy Spirit:
"Lord God, help us to put that truth and wisdom into practice this day and every day... In Jesus' name we pray. Amen."
(Closing Prayer, 53:15)
Join Us Tomorrow Fr. Mike invites listeners to continue their journey through the Bible, promising further insights and spiritual growth in the ensuing episodes.
Stay Connected:
- Subscribe: Ensure you receive daily episodes and updates by subscribing to the podcast.
- Resource Access: Download your own Bible in a Year reading plan at ascensionpress.com/Bibleinayear.
Parental Advisory:
The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children. Parental discretion is advised.
God Bless, Fr. Mike Schmitz