Podcast Summary: Day 35 - Crossing the Red Sea

Podcast: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Host/Author: Ascension
Episode Title: Day 35: Crossing the Red Sea (2025)
Release Date: February 4, 2025

Introduction

In Day 35 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a pivotal moment in the Old Testament: the Israelites' dramatic exodus from Egypt and their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. This episode combines readings from Exodus chapters 13 and 14, Leviticus chapter 10, and Psalm 53, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of salvation history and God's unwavering commitment to His people.

Exodus 13 & 14: The Escape from Egypt

Key Highlights:

1. Consecration of the Firstborn (Exodus 13):

   • God commands Moses to consecrate all firstborns, symbolizing His claim over both humans and animals.
   • Notable Quote:
     “The Lord said to Moses, 'Consecrate to me all the firstborn… both of man and of beast is mine.'” (00:XX)

2. Preparation for Departure:

   • Israelites are instructed to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread as a remembrance of their deliverance.
   • Emphasis on the significance of remembering God's mighty acts.
   • Notable Quote:
     “You shall tell your son on that day it is because of what the Lord did for me when I came out of Egypt.” (00:XX)

3. God's Guidance and Protection:

   • The Lord leads the Israelites by a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, ensuring their safe passage.
   • Notable Quote:
     “The Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud… by night in a pillar of fire.” (00:XX)

4. Pharaoh’s Pursuit and Divine Intervention (Exodus 14):

   • Despite initial resistance, Pharaoh pursues the Israelites with a formidable army.
   • God instructs Moses to part the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape and drowning the Egyptian forces.
   • Notable Quote:
     “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still.” (00:XX)

Fr. Mike's Insights:

Fr. Mike emphasizes God's holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him correctly. He reflects on the Israelites' faith versus their fear, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's plan even in dire circumstances.

Notable Reflection:
“The Lord fights for you. You have only to stand still.” (37:45)

He draws parallels between the Old Testament and the New Covenant, illustrating how God's proximity and humility are manifested through Jesus Christ's incarnation.

Leviticus 10: The Tragedy of Nadab and Abihu

Key Highlights:

1. Unauthorized Worship:

   • Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, offer "unholy fire" before the Lord, contrary to His commandments.
   • Their actions result in immediate divine punishment.
   • Notable Quote:
     “Fire came forth from the presence of the Lord and devoured them.” (14:10)

2. Moses’ Leadership and Instruction:

   • Moses underscores God's holiness and the necessity for Aaron and his sons to maintain purity.
   • Emphasis on distinguishing between the holy and the common.
   • Notable Quote:
     “You are to distinguish between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean.” (14:XX)

3. Consequences of Disobedience:

   • The episode serves as a stern reminder of the repercussions of deviating from God's instructions.
   • Notable Quote:
     “Behold, you have not eaten it in the place of the sanctuary… you ought to have eaten it in the sanctuary as I commanded.” (14:XX)

Fr. Mike's Insights:

Fr. Mike discusses the concept of holiness, highlighting that God's commandments are an expression of His holy nature. He reflects on the seriousness with which God approaches worship and the importance of adhering to His guidelines to maintain a proper relationship with Him.

Notable Reflection:
“To approach me the way I'm telling you to because I am holy.” (45:30)

He connects this to contemporary faith practices, urging believers to approach God with reverence and intentionality, especially during communal worship and prayer.

Psalm 53: A Reflection on Godlessness

Key Highlights:

1. Denunciation of Folly and Wickedness:

   • The psalmist condemns the foolishness of denying God's existence and the resulting moral decay.
   • Notable Quote:
     “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (53:1)

2. Divine Judgment and Deliverance:

   • God observes the corruption and intends to execute judgment against the ungodly.
   • Emphasis on God's role as the deliverer for Israel.
   • Notable Quote:
     “For God will scatter the bones of the ungodly.” (53:5)

3. Hope for Restoration:

   • Assurance that deliverance will come from Zion, restoring joy and prosperity for Israel.
   • Notable Quote:
     “When God restores the fortunes of His people, Jacob will rejoice and Israel be glad.” (53:7)

Fr. Mike's Insights:

Fr. Mike connects the themes of Psalm 53 to the broader narrative of salvation history. He emphasizes the consequences of turning away from God and the enduring hope offered through His deliverance.

Notable Reflection:
“Have those who work evil no understanding… For God has rejected them all.” (53:XX)

He encourages listeners to recognize the futility of denying God and to embrace His guidance for true fulfillment and righteousness.

Fr. Mike's Reflections and Sermon Highlights

1. Holiness and Reverence:

   • Fr. Mike underscores that God's laws in Leviticus are a reflection of His inherent holiness.
   • He challenges listeners to approach God with the seriousness and reverence He deserves.
   • Notable Quote:
     “Fear of the Lord doesn't mean I'm afraid of God. The fear of the Lord is I'm taking God seriously.” (50:15)

2. God's Immanence and Transcendence:

   • He explores the balance between God's transcendence (as seen in the holiness required in worship) and His immanence (manifested through Jesus' incarnation).
   • This duality showcases a God deeply involved in His creation while remaining infinitely exalted.

3. Trusting in God's Plan:

   • Drawing from the Exodus narrative, Fr. Mike encourages believers to trust in God's plan, especially during trials.
   • He highlights the importance of prayer and community support in navigating life's battles.
   • Notable Quote:
     “The Lord is fighting for you… Pray for each other.” (55:10)

4. Application to Daily Life:

   • Fr. Mike relates the biblical teachings to contemporary life, urging listeners to embody holiness, trust in God's plan, and support one another through prayer.
   • He emphasizes the transformative power of God's word in shaping one's perspective and actions.

Prayer and Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, expressing gratitude for God's commandments and His continuous fight on behalf of His people. He acknowledges God's intimate knowledge of human struggles and seeks His guidance to remain faithful and obedient.

Key Prayer Elements:

• Thanksgiving: For God's word, commandments, and His protective love.
• Supplication: For continual grace and the strength to say "yes" to God's will.
• Intercession: Through the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints.

Notable Prayer Excerpt:
"We thank you for your word…and for fighting for us, Lord God, every single day you fight for us." (60:05)

Fr. Mike wraps up by encouraging listeners to stand firm in their faith, reminding them that God is actively fighting their battles, and inviting them to join him in prayer and reflection for the journey ahead.

Final Thoughts

Day 35 of "The Bible in a Year" podcast offers a profound exploration of God's deliverance, holiness, and the enduring hope found in faith. Through scriptural readings, insightful reflections, and heartfelt prayer, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners to a deeper understanding of how the Bible's narrative intertwines with their personal lives, encouraging a life lived through the lens of Scripture.