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

Episode: Day 30: Nile Turned to Blood
Release Date: January 30, 2025

Overview

In Day 30 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a deep and insightful exploration of selected passages from Exodus, Leviticus, and Psalms. This episode focuses on the pivotal moments of Moses confronting Pharaoh, the introduction of sin offerings, and the grandeur of God's sovereignty as depicted in Psalm 47. Fr. Mike intertwines scripture readings with reflections and prayers, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of salvation history and its relevance to contemporary faith.

Scripture Readings

1. Exodus Chapters 6-7

   • Content: God's reaffirmation to Moses about delivering the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Introduction of Aaron as Moses' spokesperson and the initial plagues, including the Nile turning to blood.
   • Notable Passage:
     “The Lord said to Moses, I am the Lord. Tell Pharaoh, king of Egypt, all that I say to you.”
     (00:04)

2. Leviticus Chapter 5

   • Content: Detailed instructions on sin offerings, highlighting the seriousness of sin and the avenues for atonement available to different members of the community.

3. Psalm 47

   • Content: A triumphant hymn celebrating God's kingship over all nations, emphasizing His exalted status and His role as the ruler of the universe.
   • Notable Passage:
     “Sing praises to God. Sing praises, sing praises to our king. Sing praises for God is king of all the earth.”
     (08:39)

Reflections and Insights

1. God's Revelation and Remembrance (Exodus 6-7)

Father Mike emphasizes God's intentionality in reminding Moses of His identity and covenant with the patriarchs.

• Quote:
  “God is reminding Moses, yes, I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob, but also I'm with you and I will be your God.”
  (09:45)

He draws a parallel to the modern believer's journey, highlighting the importance of remembering God's past deeds to strengthen faith amid present challenges.

• Insight:
  "When we're here right now, one of the things he reveals to us again is like, okay, those are the things I've done in the past... Remember the deeds of God, remember his heart."

2. The Gravity of Sin and Divine Mercy (Leviticus 5)

Father Mike explores the structured approach to sin offerings, illustrating the varying levels of responsibility within the community.

• Quote:
  “If you are a leader and you sin, there's a heavier responsibility. When the community sins, there's a seriousness there.”
  (12:15)

He underscores God's boundless mercy, noting that even those unable to offer significant sacrifices can still find a path to atonement.

• Quote:
  “If you can't afford the major sacrifices, offer what you can—even fine flour. It's a sign of God's great graciousness.”
  (14:20)

3. Celebrating God's Sovereignty (Psalm 47)

The reflection transitions to Psalm 47, where Father Mike celebrates God's ultimate authority and kingship over all nations.

• Quote:
  “God reigns over the nations. God sits on his holy throne... we cry out the name of the Son of God, Jesus Christ.”
  (16:05)

He connects this sovereignty to personal faith, encouraging listeners to recognize God's rule in every aspect of their lives.

• Insight:
  "We ask that you also reign in our hearts. You are the King of creation. We also ask that you are the king of our lives."

Guided Prayer

The episode includes a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, inviting listeners to seek God's mercy and grace daily.

• Excerpt:
  “Lord God, this day, help us to receive your love. Help us to let ourselves be loved by you... Your love is new every morning. Please give us your love today as we receive it from you with gratitude.”
  (18:30)

Concluding Thoughts

Fr. Mike wraps up the episode by reiterating the continuous revelation of God's character and His steadfast presence in believers' lives. He encourages the community to support one another through prayer, acknowledging the unseen battles each person faces.

• Quote:
  “We keep praying for each other as we keep going through the Bible. Please lift each other up in your prayer today.”
  (20:00)

He expresses gratitude for the journey shared with listeners and invites them to continue exploring the Bible together.

• Closing Remark:
  “I cannot wait to continue this journey with you, and I cannot wait to see you tomorrow. God bless.”
  (20:45)

Key Takeaways

• Memory of God's Deeds: Reflecting on God's past actions builds a stronger, more resilient faith.
• Structured Atonement: Understanding sin offerings highlights the relationship between sin, responsibility, and divine mercy.
• God's Sovereignty: Recognizing God's rule encourages believers to live under His guidance in all areas of life.
• Community and Prayer: Supporting one another through prayer fosters a stronger, unified faith community.

Conclusion

Day 30 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast offers a rich tapestry of scripture, reflection, and prayer, guiding listeners to deepen their understanding of God's narrative and their place within it. Father Mike Schmitz masterfully bridges ancient texts with contemporary faith, making the Bible's timeless truths accessible and transformative for today's audience.

Listen to the full episode here (Note: Replace with actual link if available)