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

Day 241: Daniel and the Den of Lions (August 29, 2025)

Main Theme & Purpose

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a series of powerful biblical narratives and prophecies from Jeremiah 24-25, Daniel 6-7, and Proverbs 16:5-8. The episode’s central focus is on faithfulness in exile and the transformative work of God, particularly exemplified in the story of Daniel and the lion’s den and the prophetic visions concerning Israel's exile and its meaning. Fr. Mike draws connections between the literal and metaphorical exiles of the people of Israel and the ongoing journey of faith for Christians today, underscoring the reliability and power of God’s kingdom amid the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context of Jeremiah’s Timeline

• Jeremiah’s Non-chronological Writing: Fr. Mike explains that Jeremiah shifts time periods, jumping roughly 20 years between chapters, spanning from King Josiah to King Zedekiah (16:50). This context helps understand the succeeding exile narratives.
  • “Jeremiah is writing prophetically, right? So even how Jeremiah the book is assembled, kind of... goes back and forth, kind of jumps ahead.” — Fr. Mike [16:50]

2. The Good and Bad Figs (Jeremiah 24)

• God’s Surprising Evaluation: Those exiled to Babylon are considered the “good figs,” while those left in Jerusalem or sent to Egypt are the “bad figs.” This reverses the expected thinking.

  • “We would probably look at this and say, well, the good figs are those who got to stay... but God says the exact opposite.... the good figs are the ones that were exiled.” — Fr. Mike [18:00]

• Spiritual Surgery through Exile: The exile serves as a process in which God “heals the hearts” of the people, removing their idolatry.

  • “God is going to do surgery on his people... and in Babylon their hearts are going to become right.” — Fr. Mike [18:45]

3. Nebuchadnezzar as God’s Servant (Jeremiah 25)

• God Uses Imperfect Instruments: Nebuchadnezzar, despite being a pagan king, is called “my servant” because God can use even evil people for his purposes.

  • “How can God say that Nebuchadnezzar is my servant? Well, because God is able to use even bad people to accomplish his ends.” — Fr. Mike [20:08]
  • He draws a parallel with Judas, emphasizing God’s providence.

• Result of Exile: After the return from exile, Israel is largely cured of idolatry—God’s painful discipline leads to spiritual transformation.

4. Daniel’s Faithfulness in Exile (Daniel 6: The Lion’s Den)

• Daniel’s Example: Daniel exemplifies steadfastness, praying to God despite threat of death, and trusting in God even when powerless.

  • “Daniel has said, I know what God has asked me to do, and so I'm going to do that.” — Fr. Mike [23:20]

• Living Faithfully in a Hostile World: Daniel’s story is an archetype for all believers living in “exile”—in places or periods where faith is not the norm or is persecuted.

  • “We can always be faithful. We can always learn how to live in exile. And that's what Daniel and Hananiah and Azariah and Mishael are giving us an example of.” — Fr. Mike [24:05]

5. The Visions of Four Beasts and the Kingdom of God (Daniel 7)

• Four Beasts: Each beast represents a future empire—Babylon (lion), Medo-Persia (bear), Greece (leopard), and Rome (terrifying beast).
  • “Just like the story of the statue... these four beasts represent different kingdoms.” — Fr. Mike [25:30]
• The Ancient of Days and the Son of Man: The vision concludes with God (“the Ancient of Days”) and “one like a son of man” (a Messianic figure) receiving an everlasting kingdom.
  • “This kingdom does not fall, it only rises. And so we give God praise because that is his kingdom on earth, that is the church.” — Fr. Mike [27:04]

6. Heavenly Perspective Amid Instability

• Everlasting Dominion of God: Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but God’s kingdom is permanent and unshakeable.
  • “Even though we live in unstable times, because this life is unstable, we know that there is the Ancient of Days who conquers all. And he's invited you and me to be part of his kingdom.” — Fr. Mike [27:25]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Redefining Exile:
  “Whenever we're far from the Lord, we're in exile. Whenever we're far from his ultimate plan for us... this is not our ultimate home.” — Fr. Mike [24:20]

• On God's Use of Imperfect People:
  “God can use even bad people, broken people... to accomplish his ends.” — Fr. Mike [20:18]

• Summary of Daniel’s Example:
  “Daniel is being faithful in the face of unfaithfulness. It doesn't matter what people around him are doing.” — Fr. Mike [23:20]

• Message of Hope:
  “Even though we are in uncertain times... we know that there is the Ancient of Days who conquers all. And he's invited you and me to be part of his kingdom. And so we just say today and every day. Yes. Thy will be done.” — Fr. Mike [27:30]

Important Timestamps

• [16:50] Jeremiah’s time jumps and historical setting
• [18:00] The meaning of the good and bad figs vision
• [20:08] Nebuchadnezzar as God’s instrument and the analogy with Judas
• [23:20] Daniel’s perseverance and model for the faithful in exile
• [24:20] Reframing Christian existence as exile
• [25:30] Daniel’s vision of the four beasts—interpretation and symbolism
• [27:04] The triumph of God’s everlasting kingdom

Proverbs Reflection

• “Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues with injustice.” (Proverbs 16:8)
  • Fr. Mike briefly ties Proverbs' wisdom on righteousness and humility to the stories told—reminding listeners that true wealth is in right relationship with God, not in earthly power or success.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike ends by rooting the day's readings in prayer and gratitude, encouraging listeners to remember that, like Daniel and the Israelites in exile, we are called to remain faithful, trust in God’s plan even in adversity, and take hope in the certainty of God’s everlasting kingdom. The stories serve both as historical lessons and as spiritual encouragement for navigating faith in our own “exile.”

Fr. Mike’s Parting Words:
“I am praying for you. Please, please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.” — [End]

This episode is a seamless blend of biblical narrative, theological insight, and practical encouragement for spiritual perseverance, crafted in Fr. Mike’s accessible and deeply pastoral tone.