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

Episode: Day 26 – God Responds to Job (2026)

Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Podcast by: Ascension

Episode Overview

On Day 26, Fr. Mike Schmitz wraps up two pivotal stories: the final chapters of Genesis and the concluding chapters of Job. He walks listeners through the last blessings and prophecies of Jacob/Israel, Joseph’s profound forgiveness of his brothers, and God’s enigmatic response to Job’s suffering. Fr. Mike then offers rich commentary on how these narratives frame the great mysteries of divine providence, suffering, and trust.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jacob’s Blessings and Prophecies (Genesis 49–50)

• Jacob, on his deathbed, gathers his sons and delivers unique blessings and prophetic words to each of the twelve tribes.
• Notably, he withholds blessing from his first three sons (Reuben, Simeon, Levi) due to their past failures, instead giving a preeminent blessing to Judah.
• The blessing to Judah is seen as a direct prophecy foreshadowing both King David and the Messianic lineage leading to Jesus Christ.
  • Quote [17:49]:
    "Jacob does not bless the first three sons. He blesses Judah...The scepter shall not depart from Judah. Who does that sound like? Well, that's our Lord. It's a prophecy of Jesus." — Fr. Mike Schmitz

2. Joseph’s Forgiveness and God’s Permissive Will (Genesis 50)

• After Jacob’s death and burial in Canaan, Joseph’s brothers fear retribution for the wrongs they committed against him.
• Joseph reassures them, highlighting that what they intended for evil, God used for good—a lesson in God’s mysterious providence:
  • Quote [18:49]:
    “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, that many would be saved.”
• Fr. Mike discusses the difference between God’s perfect will (his ultimate desire) and permissive will (what God allows), emphasizing how even evil can be transformed for a greater good through God's providence.
  • Quote [21:11]:
    "This is the mystery of trust, that we're called to enter into ourselves as well, because...God's calling us to be able to say, okay Lord, in all things, I trust you."

3. God’s Answer to Job: Himself, Not an Explanation (Job 41–42)

• God answers Job’s cries not with logical solutions or reasons, but by appearing in power and mystery—highlighting his sovereignty over creation (as symbolized by Leviathan).
• Job responds with humility and repentance:
  • Quote [32:26]:
    "I had heard of you by the hearing of my ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." — Job 42:5-6 (RSV-CE)
• Fr. Mike underscores the central lesson of Job: that the final answer to suffering and the problem of evil isn’t an explanation, but the presence of God Himself.
  • Quote [35:00]:
    "The answer to the problem of pain is God himself. The answer isn't logic, the answer isn't reason, the answer isn't just have faith, the answer is Himself. And he gives himself to us today as well."
• Job’s intercession then brings about restoration and blessing for both himself and his friends.

4. Psalm 17: A Model Prayer Amidst Persecution

• Psalm 17 is prayed as part of the day’s reading, highlighting an innocent cry for deliverance from enemies and steadfast trust in God.

Memorable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Judah’s Blessing and Messianic Prophecy
  "Jacob does not bless the first three sons. He blesses Judah...The scepter shall not depart from Judah. Who does that sound like? That's our Lord. It's a prophecy of Jesus." — Fr. Mike Schmitz ([17:49])
• On God’s Provident Use of Evil
  “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good, that many would be saved.” ([18:49])
• On Trust in God’s Permissive Will
  "This is the mystery of trust, that we're called to enter into ourselves as well, because...God's calling us to be able to say, okay Lord, in all things, I trust you." ([21:11])
• On God’s Unique Answer to Suffering
  "The answer to the problem of pain is God himself. The answer isn't logic, the answer isn't reason, the answer isn't just have faith, the answer is Himself. And he gives himself to us today as well." ([35:00])
• Job’s Confession
  "I had heard of you by the hearing of my ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." — Job, ([32:26], Job 42:5-6)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:04–03:16: Fr. Mike introduces episode context, reading plan, and scriptural passages for the day
• 03:17–13:50: Genesis 49–50: Jacob’s blessings, Joseph’s mercy, and the close of the Patriarchal era
• 13:51–24:55: Job 41–42: God’s response to Job, Job’s repentance, restoration, and blessing
• 24:56–27:00: Psalm 17 prayed aloud
• 27:01–28:20: Closing prayer of gratitude and petition
• 28:21–: Fr. Mike’s closing reflection on the three main themes, their significance, and encouragement for the journey ahead

Tone & Style

Fr. Mike’s approach is loving, pastoral, and contemplative, blending scriptural exegesis with real-life applications for spiritual growth. He addresses the audience as companions on a journey, often using “we” and “us,” and closes with encouragement to persevere, trust, and pray for one another.

Takeaways for Listeners

• The story of Genesis closes not merely with death, but with hope and blessing for the future—pointing forward to Christ.
• Joseph’s forgiveness teaches the power of providence and mercy, even when faced with evil intentions.
• The Book of Job reminds listeners that God's answer to suffering isn’t neat explanations, but the gift of his presence.
• Prayer, humility, and trust are central to spiritual endurance.
• The journey through Scripture continues—tomorrow the story moves from patriarchs to the age of Exodus, with new lessons on faith and deliverance.

"Keep praying for each other. Keep praying for me. And I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." — Fr. Mike Schmitz