The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Episode Summary: Day 48: God's Presence
Podcast Information:
- Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Publisher: Ascension
- Episode: Day 48: God's Presence
- Release Date: February 17, 2025
Overview
In Day 48: God's Presence, Fr. Mike Schmitz continues the journey through the Bible, focusing on Exodus chapters 33 and 34, Leviticus chapter 24, and a prayer from Psalm 80. This episode delves into the profound relationship between God and Moses, the significance of God’s presence among His people, and the call for the Israelites to live distinctively in response to this divine companionship.
Encouragement to Stay the Course
Fr. Mike opens the episode with a heartfelt encouragement to listeners to remain consistent in their Bible reading journey. He emphasizes that missing days is not a failure but an opportunity to restart and continue:
“This is not about perfection. This is not about January 1st to December 31st. This is about going through God's Word at whatever pace you need.” (00:04)
He reassures listeners that persistence is key, reinforcing the message that quitting is the only true failure.
Key Scripture Readings
Exodus Chapters 33 and 34: The Command to Leave Sinai and God's Presence
Fr. Mike reads and reflects on the pivotal moments in Exodus where God speaks to Moses about leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. A central theme is the negotiation between Moses and God regarding God's presence with His people.
Notable Passage: Moses’ Intercession
“Moses said to him, 'See, you say to me, bring up this people. But you have not let me know whom you will send with me... if your presence will not go with me, do not carry us up from here.'” (00:20)
Fr. Mike highlights Moses’ deep concern that without God’s presence, the distinctiveness of Israel would be lost, leading to their eventual extinction.
Leviticus Chapter 24: Instructions for Worship and Justice
The reading covers Leviticus 24, focusing on the regulations for the lampstand, bread for the tabernacle, and laws concerning blasphemy and retribution. These laws underscore the need for the Israelites to live in a manner that reflects their unique covenant with God.
Reflection: The Significance of God's Presence
Fr. Mike delves into the profound relationship between God and Moses, drawing parallels to the New Covenant in Christianity. He explains how Moses serves as a type of Christ, the ultimate mediator between God and humanity.
“What makes the people of Israel distinct is that God is present with them. They are unique not because of their own goodness, but because of His presence.” (24:30)
He emphasizes that the distinctiveness of the Israelites—and by extension, Christians—is rooted in God dwelling with them. This divine presence demands a unique way of living, set apart from the surrounding cultures.
Unique Covenant and Distinct Living
Fr. Mike underscores that the Israelites must live differently to maintain their distinct identity:
“If you really are distinct, you have to live in a distinct way. You have to live uniquely.” (35:45)
He links this to the commandments in Exodus 34, highlighting practices like Sabbath rest and specific festivals that set the Israelites apart from other nations.
Application to Modern Christianity
Drawing from the Old Testament, Fr. Mike applies these principles to contemporary Christian life. He points out that Christians, as temples of the Holy Spirit, are called to live distinctively—not for their own sake, but as a response to God's enduring presence.
“If he (God) is there, that means our response has to be just as it was meant to be in this first covenant... We have to live in a distinct way from the people around us.” (42:20)
Prayer from Psalm 80: A Plea for Restoration
Fr. Mike leads listeners in a heartfelt prayer drawn from Psalm 80, imploring God to restore and maintain His presence among His people. The prayer reflects the Israelites' longing for God’s intervention and favor.
“Father, in heaven, we know that you are good and that you are faithful... We trust you with all of our hearts and all of our lives.” (65:10)
This prayer serves as a transition between the scriptural reflections and the practical application of living under God's presence.
Conclusion: Embracing Distinctiveness Through God’s Presence
Wrapping up the episode, Fr. Mike reiterates the importance of recognizing and responding to God's presence in one's life. He challenges listeners to evaluate how they are living distinctly in their own contexts, guided by Scripture.
“I have to live distinctly. And that's a question for all of us to be able to answer.” (95:15)
Fr. Mike concludes with a prayer for collective perseverance on the journey through the Bible, reminding listeners that they are not alone in their quest to understand and embody God's word.
“We're on this journey together and we're trucking along. ... God bless.” (101:55)
Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence is Central: The distinctiveness of the Israelites—and Christians today—is fundamentally rooted in God's presence among them.
- Call to Distinct Living: In response to God dwelling with them, believers are called to live uniquely, adhering to God's commandments and maintaining a separate identity from the surrounding culture.
- Mediation and Covenant: The relationship between Moses and God prefigures the New Covenant, emphasizing the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate mediator.
- Perseverance in Faith: Consistency in engaging with Scripture is vital, and setbacks are opportunities to renew commitment rather than reasons to quit.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- “This is not about perfection. This is not about January 1st to December 31st. This is about going through God's Word at whatever pace you need.” (00:04)
- “What makes the people of Israel distinct is that God is present with them. They are unique not because of their own goodness, but because of His presence.” (24:30)
- “If you really are distinct, you have to live in a distinct way. You have to live uniquely.” (35:45)
- “I have to live distinctly. And that's a question for all of us to be able to answer.” (95:15)
- “We're on this journey together and we're trucking along. ... God bless.” (101:55)
Final Thoughts
Day 48 of The Bible in a Year podcast offers a deep exploration of God's covenant with Moses and the Israelites, highlighting the importance of divine presence and the resultant call to live uniquely. Fr. Mike Schmitz effectively bridges Old Testament teachings with their relevance to modern faith, encouraging listeners to embody the distinctiveness that comes from God's enduring companionship.
Listeners are left with a renewed understanding of their own covenant relationship with God and the imperative to live out their faith distinctly in everyday life. As Fr. Mike aptly reminds us, “If you're not distinct, you will be extinct.” Embracing this truth empowers believers to navigate their spiritual journeys with purpose and steadfastness.
Stay Connected
To continue following the Bible in a Year journey with Fr. Mike Schmitz, subscribe to the podcast on your preferred platform and access the reading plan at ascensionpress.com/BibleinAYear.