The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Day 239: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (2025)
Date: August 27, 2025
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast by: Ascension
Episode Overview
Day 239 of “The Bible in a Year” podcast features the steadfast faith of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (also known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) in Daniel 3, an urgent call to covenant faithfulness in Jeremiah 22, and reflection on humility and the fear of the Lord from Proverbs 15:29-33. Fr. Mike reads and explains these passages, focusing especially on the life-changing witness of fidelity to God against immense pressure.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Jeremiah 22: Exhortation to Repentance
- Call to Covenant Faithfulness:
Jeremiah addresses the kings of Judah, urging justice, righteousness, and care for the oppressed—core themes for God’s people. - Link Between Worship and Justice:
Fr. Mike stresses that faithfulness is not just about avoiding idolatry but also about actively caring for the poor, widows, orphans, and strangers.- Quote:
“Part of covenant faithfulness is not only being faithful to the Lord God and worshiping him alone, but also... caring for those who have no one to care for them.” (18:22)
- Quote:
- Warning of Judgment:
Failure to follow God’s commands would bring about destruction and exile, as seen in the fate of King Shallum and Coniah. - Personal Application:
Fr. Mike reminds listeners that it’s easy to focus on personal spirituality while neglecting social responsibility—a warning as relevant today as then.
2. Daniel 3: The Fiery Furnace & Faithfulness Under Persecution
- Contextualization of Names:
- Daniel and his friends’ Hebrew names (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah) all reference the God of Israel.
- Their Babylonian names (Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) are linked to Babylonian gods—a symbolic attempt to strip them of their faith identity.
- Quote:
“This is devastating. They’re being stripped of who they belong to and given to these false gods in Babylon. And yet... they refuse to belong to Babylon.” (21:42)
- Quote:
- Refusing to Bow:
Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego) refuse to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image, risking death. - Defiant Faith and Heroic Witness:
Their reply to the king is highlighted as one of the greatest acts of faith:- Key Quote:
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace... But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up.” (23:37; referencing Daniel 3:17-18)
- Fr. Mike is clearly moved:
“Talk about faith. This is incredible. It’s one of my favorites of all time, because they declare their faith, ‘even if he doesn’t [save us], we’re not going to be unfaithful.’” (24:55)
- Key Quote:
- God’s Deliverance:
An angel protects the three men in the furnace, leading to their prayer and psalm of praise (the “Song of the Three Young Men”). - Nebuchadnezzar's Reaction:
The king is astonished, acknowledges the power of their God, and promotes the three men. His decree protects their God’s name—though Fr. Mike notes the king’s methods are still brutal.
3. Proverbs 15:29-33: Wisdom and Humility
- Prayer of the Righteous:
“The Lord is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.” (30:45) - Valuing Correction and Humility:
Wisdom comes through accepting instruction and cultivating a humble heart.- Quote:
“The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom and humility goes before honor.” (31:05)
- Quote:
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On Covenant Justice:
- Fr. Mike (18:22):
“If we want to be people of the covenant, our job is to care for those who have no one to care for them. Which is a big burden, but also a grace.”
On Identity and Names in Exile:
- Fr. Mike (21:42):
“This is not just a name change... They’re being stripped of who they belong to and given to these false gods in Babylon. And yet, they refused to belong to Babylon.”
On Faith in the Furnace:
- Fr. Mike (24:10):
“They have no power right now. They are at his mercy. ‘We don’t have to answer you.’ Just so good.”
- Fr. Mike (24:55):
“Talk about faith. This is incredible... ‘But even if he doesn’t, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up.’”
On God's Miraculous Intervention:
- Daniel’s Account (26:50):
“The angel of the Lord... made the midst of the furnace like a moist whistling wind, so that the fire did not touch them at all or hurt or trouble them.”
On Perseverance in the Bible journey:
- Fr. Mike (32:53):
“What a gift. What an incredible gift to be journeying together. Day 239. Here we are. You guys are doing so well. Stick with this because, man, you’re not alone... I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me.”
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:04 – Introduction and overview of the readings
- 01:30 – Jeremiah 22: Exhortation to kings and people for justice and faithfulness
- 10:45 – Daniel 3: The golden image, accusation, and the defiance of the three young men
- 13:40 – The prayer and song of Azariah and his companions in the furnace
- 16:35 – Deliverance from the furnace and Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction
- 30:45 – Proverbs 15:29-33: The Lord hears the righteous and the value of humility
- 32:53 – Reflection and encouragement from Fr. Mike
Conclusion & Takeaways
Fr. Mike’s reflection centers on the cost and call of covenant faithfulness—in identity, worship, and justice—and the unwavering example of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Their story is a vivid reminder to honor God above cultural pressures and to embrace both personal devotion and care for the vulnerable as inseparable aspects of true discipleship.
Listeners are encouraged to persevere in the journey, remembering they’re not alone and that faithfulness, even in small things, is honored by God.
Next Episode Preview:
Daniel 4—Nebuchadnezzar’s second dream and Daniel’s role in its interpretation.
Fr. Mike closes:
“I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” (32:53)