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

Episode: Day 311: God Fights for You (2024)
Host: Father Mike Schmitz
Podcast Series: Ascension’s The Bible in a Year
Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes

1. Introduction to Day 311

In Day 311 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through a profound exploration of faith, justice, and divine intervention. This episode, titled God Fights for You, delves into Second Maccabees Chapter 14, Wisdom of Solomon Chapters 17 and 18, and Proverbs 25:18-20. Father Mike emphasizes the interconnectedness of these scriptures, highlighting God's unwavering presence amidst human turmoil and sin.

2. Exploring Second Maccabees Chapter 14

Father Mike begins by summarizing Second Maccabees Chapter 14, which narrates the tumultuous events involving Alcimus, Demetrius, and Judas Maccabeus.

• Alcimus' Betrayal: Alcimus, the former high priest, seeks favor with King Demetrius amidst political instability. He presents gifts and petitions the king to remove Judas Maccabeus, whom he accuses of inciting sedition (00:04).

  "Since you are acquainted, O King, with the details of this matter, deign to take thought for our country..." (00:04)

• Nicanor’s Appointment and Deception: Demetrius appoints Nicanor as governor of Judea, ordering him to eliminate Judas. Nicanor initially befriends Judas, even urging him to marry and settle. However, upon witnessing Pax' integrity, Alcimus deceives King Demetrius, leading to Nicanor’s downfall.

• Razis’ Martyrdom: The episode recounts the tragic death of Razis, an elder of Jerusalem, who refuses to betray his faith. Faced with persecution, Razis dies heroically, illustrating unwavering faith amidst extreme adversity.

3. Insights from Wisdom of Solomon Chapters 17 and 18

Father Mike transitions to Wisdom of Solomon Chapters 17 and 18, drawing parallels between ancient injustices and modern spiritual struggles.

• Chapter 17: The Plague of Darkness and Death

  The chapter reflects on the futility of secret sins and the inevitable divine judgment that follows. Father Mike highlights the idea that hidden transgressions are illusions; God's omnipresence ensures that nothing remains concealed.

  "For thinking that in their secret sins they were unobserved behind a dark curtain of forgetfulness, they were scattered, terribly alarmed and appalled by specters..." (Wisdom 17:1-2)

  Key Themes:

  • Invisible Yet Visible: Secret sins may seem hidden, but they are known to God.
  • Fear and Justice: Sin leads to internal turmoil and divine retribution.
  • Human Frailty: Lawless men believe they can control outcomes, but they fall victim to their own wickedness.

• Chapter 18: Divine Intervention and Justice

  This chapter emphasizes God's active role in delivering the righteous and punishing the wicked. Father Mike draws a prophetic link between the destruction of Egypt’s firstborn and the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing God's ultimate victory over death and evil.

  "Your all powerful word leaped from heaven, from the royal throne into the midst of the land that was doomed..." (Wisdom 18:14)

  Key Themes:

  • Divine Protection: God's holy ones are illuminated by His light amidst darkness.
  • Prophetic Revelation: The events foreshadow the coming of Christ, who combats sin and death.
  • Ultimate Justice: God's intervention ensures the triumph of good over evil.

4. Reflections on Proverbs 25:18-20

Father Mike concludes the scripture readings with Proverbs 25:18-20, offering practical wisdom applicable to daily life.

"A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is like a war club or a sword, or a sharp arrow. Trust in a faithless man in time of trouble is like a bad tooth or a foot that slips. He who sings songs to a heavy heart is like one who takes off a garment on a cold day. And like vinegar on a wound." (Proverbs 25:18-20)

Key Insights:

• Integrity and Trust: The dangers of falsehood and misplaced trust.
• Emotional Healing: The importance of genuine support over superficial comfort.
• Wisdom in Relationships: Navigating trust and support within community.

5. Father Mike’s Reflections: God in the Midst of Brokenness

Father Mike transitions from scripture readings to personal reflections, drawing connections between the biblical narratives and the complexities of real-life faith.

• Embracing Messiness: Contrasting the idealized, orderly portrayals of Christianity (likened to "Hallmark movies") with the Bible’s raw and often violent realities. He emphasizes that God operates within the messiness of human experience, offering hope and redemption even in the darkest moments.

  "Here is God working through brokenness. Here is God working through broken people..." (Approx. 15:00)

• Secret Sins and Virtues: Highlighting that both sins and virtues are visible to God. This transparency calls believers to live authentically, trusting in God's justice and mercy.

  "There's no secret sin, and there's no secret virtue." (Approx. 20:00)

• Prophetic Connections to Christ: Father Mike draws a poignant parallel between the destruction wrought upon the Egyptians in Wisdom of Solomon and the arrival of Jesus Christ. He portrays Jesus as the ultimate warrior who fights for humanity's salvation.

  "Here is Jesus Christ himself, the Word made flesh, leaping forth from the throne with a voice of thunder... fighting for you." (Approx. 25:00)

6. Application: Trusting in God’s Fight

The episode encourages listeners to trust in God's active role in their lives, especially during times of struggle and injustice. Father Mike reassures that just as God fought for the Israelites and delivered them from oppression, He continues to fight for individuals today.

"We trust in him, we trust in his ability to fight, we trust in his willingness to fight, that he wants to fight for you today." (Approx. 28:00)

7. Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Father Mike wraps up the episode with a reflection on the upcoming transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament. He expresses excitement for delving into the Gospel of Luke, promising further insights into God's redemptive work through Jesus Christ.

"So be fought for. The Word leapt forth from the mighty throne of heaven to come to this earth and to fight... God bless." (Approx. 30:00)

8. Prayer and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer led by Father Mike, seeking God's guidance, understanding, and presence in the listeners' lives.

"Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory... we ask you please continue to open our minds, continue to shape our vision, and continue to call us your own. In Jesus name we pray. Amen." (Final Minutes)

Key Takeaways

• God’s Presence in Adversity: Even amidst violence and betrayal, God's hand guides and protects the faithful.
• Transparency in Faith: There are no hidden sins or virtues in God's eyes; live authentically and trust in His justice.
• Prophetic Foreshadowing: Biblical events often prefigure the life and mission of Jesus Christ, underscoring God's redemptive plan.
• Realistic Faith: Embrace the complexities and messiness of life, recognizing that God's power is made perfect in weakness and brokenness.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Alcimus’ Petition to Demetrius:
   "Since you are acquainted, O King, with the details of this matter, deign to take thought for our country..." (00:04)

2. Reflection on Secret Sins:
   "For thinking that in their secret sins they were unobserved behind a dark curtain of forgetfulness..." (Wisdom 17:1-2; approx. 10:00)

3. Jesus as the Divine Warrior:
   "Here is Jesus Christ himself, the Word made flesh, leaping forth from the throne with a voice of thunder... fighting for you." (Approx. 25:00)

4. Prayer for Guidance:
   "Father in heaven, we give you praise and glory... continue to call us your own. In Jesus name we pray. Amen." (Final Minutes)

Final Thoughts

Day 311 of The Bible in a Year podcast provides a compelling blend of historical scripture, personal reflection, and practical application. Father Mike Schmitz masterfully intertwines the narratives of Second Maccabees and Wisdom of Solomon to illustrate God's enduring fight for His people. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the raw and real aspects of faith, trusting in God's justice and redemptive power amidst life's challenges.

For those interested in following along or starting their journey with The Bible in a Year, visit Ascension Press to download your reading plan and subscribe to the podcast for daily episodes and updates.