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

Episode: Day 235 — Lying Prophets
Date: August 23, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension

Episode Overview

On Day 235, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through readings from Jeremiah 14–15, Ezekiel 43–44, and Proverbs 15:13–16. The episode centrally explores the theme of false prophets—those who distort or deny God’s truth—and contrasts their lies with the steadfast truth of God’s word. Fr. Mike reflects on the consequences of deception, the heartbreak of genuine prophecy, the return of God’s glory to His people, and the personal challenge of allowing God’s truth (not comforting lies) to guide our lives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jeremiah 14–15: The Devastation of Deception and Faithlessness

• Historical Context: Judah is suffering from drought, famine, and looming Babylonian conquest. The nation laments, but God connects their plight to faithlessness.
• False Prophets:
  • Prophets in Jeremiah’s time claim, “You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine” ([Jer 14:13]), promising false peace.
  • God denounces these “lying visions, worthless divinations, and the deceit of their own minds” ([Jer 14:14]).
• Prophets and Priests Have “No Knowledge”: Even spiritual leaders are adrift, worsening the people’s suffering.
• Jeremiah’s Response:
  • He is deeply moved, weeping over the fate of his people, embodying the role of the “weeping prophet.”
  • Recognizes the call to true prophecy, which often involves heartbreak and speaking uncomfortable truths.
• Personal Challenge:
  • Fr. Mike asks, “How many false prophets do we allow in our life?” ([18:10]), suggesting these could be public figures or even the lies we tell ourselves for comfort or delay.
  • Cautions listeners to examine what voices they give authority in their lives.

Notable Quote:
“The only reason to believe anything is because it’s true. We don’t believe something because it makes us happy. We don’t believe something because it makes us behave well. The only reason to believe anything is because it’s true.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([13:02])

2. Ezekiel 43–44: God’s Glory Returns to the Temple

• Historical Vision:
  • After devastation and exile, Ezekiel shares a vision where God’s glory returns to the new temple.
  • God’s presence had previously departed because of Israel’s unfaithfulness, but now there is both restoration and renewed hope.
• The Temple’s Law and Holiness:
  • Detailed ordinances re-establish reverence: who may serve, what attire priests must wear, and strictures on holiness and purity.
• Personal and Universal Application:
  • Fr. Mike connects this vision to Christian life: just as God’s glory returns to the physical temple, the Holy Spirit dwells within each believer.
  • Oftentimes, “we live without the spirit, right? So often we live without the power that God gives us, the power of Jesus Christ risen from the dead that dwells inside of us.” ([23:35])
  • Urges gratitude for this ongoing gift.

Notable Quote:
“You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. And that spirit of God does rest upon you, and he acts and works within you. What an incredible, incredible gift on this day.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([24:45])

3. Proverbs 15:13–16: Wisdom on Contentment

• Proverbs highlight the importance of joy, knowledge, and holy fear over material wealth:
  • “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it.”
    — ([Proverbs 15:16]; discussed at [9:00])
• Fr. Mike dwells on the potency of this simple wisdom, affirming that reverence and awe for God eclipse any worldly gain.

Notable Quote:
“I can be in want immaterially. I can have a short life even. But if that life is marked by the fear of the Lord... that is not a tragedy. The tragedy would be great treasure without the fear of the Lord.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([10:00])

Memorable Moments & Reflections

• The Tragedy of Fruitlessness:
  “Because we’ve been faithless to the Lord, there is no fruit to find.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([11:50])
• The Temptation to Accept False Comfort:
  “Those lies can be lies of condemnation, right? ... but they can also be lies that offer me comfort when it’s not time for comfort.”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([14:55])
• Personal Prophetic Call:
  “Where in my life am I called to be like Jeremiah and weep for what needs to be wept for? ... Where do I need to be that prophet who speaks the truth?”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([16:30])
• The Gift of God’s Presence:
  “The day is going to come when the spirit of the Lord comes back. And will you realize it then?”
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([22:18])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Scripture Reading: [00:30–08:20]
• Commentary on Proverbs and Life Application: [08:30–11:30]
• Jeremiah: False Prophets and True Prophecy: [11:35–16:30]
• Examining Modern “False Prophets”: [13:00–15:50]
• Ezekiel’s Temple Vision and Our Vocation: [18:40–24:45]
• Closing Reflection and Prayer: [24:50–End]

Practical Takeaways

• Vigilance Against Falsehood: Regularly examine whose voices and what beliefs are shaping your understanding—are they grounded in God’s truth?
• The Value of Holy Fear: Satisfaction in life is not about abundance, but about living in reverence before God.
• Embrace God’s Presence: Remember you are a temple of the Holy Spirit; strive to live, speak, and love empowered by that indwelling presence.
• Be Willing to Speak, Weep, and Change: Like Jeremiah and Ezekiel, sometimes the prophetic call is to speak hard truths, grieve sin, and await God’s restoring presence.

Final Blessing:
“I’m praying for you that you walk in that spirit, that you speak in that spirit, that you love in that spirit. And please pray for me that I can do the same.”
— Fr. Mike Schmitz ([25:00])