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

Episode: Day 278 — "Power in Weakness" (October 5, 2025)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike guides listeners through pivotal moments in Nehemiah and Esther, focusing on the theme of "Power in Weakness." He unpacks how the people of Israel recommit themselves to God's covenant and how God unexpectedly uses weakness—both in Queen Esther and in us—to effect profound change. Through Scripture readings, reflection, and prayer, Fr. Mike encourages listeners to realize how God works through our imperfection.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Nehemiah 10: The Signing of the Covenant

• Israel's leaders and people formally recommit to God, rejecting idolatry and embracing covenant living.
• The covenant outlines specific obligations: Sabbath observance, avoiding intermarriage with pagans, supporting temple service, bringing first fruits and tithes, and maintaining the house of God.

Insight:

• Fr. Mike draws a parallel to personal faith journeys, likening the people's recommitment to moments when individuals return to their faith after drifting away, this time with genuine conviction.
• "Every real relationship has real rights and also real responsibilities." (19:55)
• The act signifies a turning point, a revival beginning with Ezra's public reading of the Law.

2. Esther 15–17: Faith, Fear, and God’s Surprising Strategy

• Esther prepares to approach King Ahasuerus, risking her life to plead for her people.
• Her apprehension is palpable: she is described as "radiant, with perfect beauty... but her heart was frozen with fear." (05:10)
• When Esther collapses in fear, God moves the king’s heart from anger to compassion, leading him to embrace and reassure her.

Insight:

• Fr. Mike points out it’s not Esther’s beauty or strength, but her weakness—her vulnerability in fainting—that melts the king’s heart, a crucial turn in Israel's deliverance.
• "The Lord knew what would pull on his heart. And he allowed Esther to be weak and to falter and to faint in his presence, knowing that would change King Ahasuerus’ heart." (21:40)
• God’s miracle works through her weakness, not in spite of it.

3. Esther 6–7: The Downfall of Haman and Rise of Mordecai

• The narrative highlights a dramatic reversal: Haman, plotting to execute Mordecai, is instead commanded to honor him publicly after the king reads of Mordecai’s loyalty.
• Esther reveals Haman’s plot to the king, leading to Haman’s execution on the gallows he built for Mordecai.

Memorable Moment:

• The irony and reversal present in Mordecai’s public honor and Haman’s downfall serve as classic examples of God’s providence.

4. Proverbs 21:13-16: Justice and Compassion

• Fr. Mike reads several verses about justice for the poor, the importance of listening to the oppressed, avoiding corruption, and the fate of those who wander from understanding.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Every real relationship has real rights and also real responsibilities."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (19:55)

• "We are choosing not idolatry... We are choosing to belong to the Lord our God."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (20:15)

• "It was not the strength and the grace and the beauty of Queen Esther that melted King Ahasuerus’ heart... It was her weakness."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (21:40)

• "God not only works in our weakness, he wants to work in our weakness."
  — Fr. Mike Schmitz (22:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:50 — Bible readings introduction (Nehemiah 10, Esther 15–17, Proverbs 21:13–16)
• 05:10 — Esther faces the king: “Her heart was frozen with fear”
• 11:40 — Haman’s rage and plot against Mordecai
• 15:05 — The king honors Mordecai, not Haman
• 17:35 — Esther’s plea and Haman’s downfall
• 18:40 — Proverbs: Justice and hearing the cry of the poor
• 19:35 — Fr. Mike’s reflection: Covenant in Nehemiah; faith revived
• 21:10 — Esther’s weakness as power: “God moves through her vulnerability”
• 22:20 — Final reflection: Encouragement for listeners to let God work in their own weakness

Original Language & Tone

Fr. Mike maintains a pastoral, accessible, and encouraging tone, blending personal insight with scriptural exposition. His language is empathetic and relatable, emphasizing both theological depth and real-life application.

Summary of Key Takeaways

• Revival & Renewal: Israel’s recommitment is a model for personal faith renewal—choosing relationship with God over convenience or surrounding culture.
• Power in Weakness: Esther’s story demonstrates that God often works not through our strengths, but through our vulnerability and imperfections.
• Providence: The narratives of Esther and Mordecai illustrate God’s surprising reversals and faithfulness to His people.
• Action: True relationships with God demand concrete, lived commitments—not just feelings or heritage.

Conclusion

Fr. Mike closes by encouraging listeners to let God work through their own weaknesses, just as He did with Esther. He invites continued prayer, support for one another, and trust that God’s power is made perfect in our imperfection.

"Today, I'm praying for you. Please pray for me. My name is Father Mike. I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless." (23:10)