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

Episode: Day 50 – Sacrificial Offerings (February 19, 2026)

Overview of the Main Theme

In this landmark 50th episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through readings from Exodus 37-38, Leviticus 26, and Psalm 82, focusing on the detailed construction and purpose of the tabernacle and its sacred objects, and the spiritual truths found in God’s instructions regarding sacrificial offerings. He reflects on the role of generosity in faith, the spiritual meaning of obedience and disobedience, and the persistent, fatherly love of God that both disciplines and calls his people back to Himself.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Milestone Reflections & Encouragement

• Recognition of Commitment: Fr. Mike acknowledges the significance of reaching Day 50, encouraging listeners who may have struggled or faltered along the way to celebrate their perseverance.
  • Quote: “Here you are today, in the midst of whatever other places you’ve stumbled… you are opening your heart and your mind to God’s Word. And I am proud of you.” (03:10)

2. Overview and Visualization of the Tabernacle

• Sacred Objects and Structure:

  • Bezalel and Aholiab are named as the skilled craftsmen appointed to construct the sacred items.

  • Tabernacle Layout: Fr. Mike offers a vivid verbal tour, inviting listeners to imagine (or look up) the layout and artistry of the Ark of the Covenant, the menorah, the bread of the Presence, incense altars, burnt offering altar, laver, and courtyard.

  • Objects in the Holy Place:

    • The menorah (gold lampstand)
    • The altar of incense
    • The table of the bread of the Presence

  • Objects in the Holy of Holies:

    • The Ark of the Covenant

  • Quote: “Let it be described to you… use your imagination. If you’re not driving, close your eyes maybe and picture it.” (04:11)

3. Generosity and Sacrificial Offerings

• Recap of Recent Readings:
  • God has commanded both required sacrificial offerings (grain, cereal, libations, burnt) and invited free-will contributions from those “moved by the Spirit.”
  • The people responded with extraordinary generosity—so much that Moses had to restrain them from giving more.
  • Fr. Mike draws a contemporary parallel:
    • Most parishes rely on a small percentage of members (approx. 7%) for most volunteer work and financial support.
    • He challenges listeners to imagine the impact if more were moved by such generous spirits.
  • Quote (on generosity): “Imagine getting to the place where we were so generous with our time, with our talent, with our treasure, that we would have to say, actually stop giving. Wouldn’t that be amazing?” (23:04)

4. Leviticus 26: Obedience, Disobedience, & God’s Discipline

• Rewards for Obedience:
  • God promises abundance, peace, security, and His abiding presence for covenant faithfulness.
  • Quote (from Leviticus): “I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you shall be my people.” (Ex. 12:48, summarized)
• Consequences for Disobedience:
  • Rebellion results in hardship, defeat, exile, and devastation—but all are intended as corrective discipline, not destruction.
  • Fr. Mike emphasizes the fatherly motivation behind discipline:
    • Quote: “He doesn’t hand us over… because He hates them. He hands them over because He loves them.” (24:45)
    • The ultimate aim is rescue and reconciliation, not wrath for its own sake.
• Misconception Addressed:
  • Not all suffering is punishment; see the example of Job.
  • The cause-and-effect in Leviticus describes a general covenant principle rather than a rigid rule—God’s ways must be viewed with trust in His goodness.
  • Quote: “When we approach scripture and we don’t trust God… But when we approach the word of God and we have that spirit of trust… God is a good dad.” (26:10)
  • Quote: “The whole point of this is not punishment. The whole point is rescue… the discipline of a father.” (25:40)

5. Personal Application and Prayer

• Self-Examination:
  • Fr. Mike invites listeners to contemplate their own generosity and willingness to support the needs of others.
  • Quote: “If I were more generous, then at some point the people who are suffering around the world would cease to suffer, at least from lack.” (23:54)
• Call to Holiness:
  • Holiness is “to walk in the will of the Father… to act and love in the will of the Father.”
  • The journey of faith requires daily openness and reliance on God’s grace.

6. Closing Words

• Mutual Prayer:
  • An exhortation to pray for one another, recognizing human limitation and the need for divine help.
  • Quote: “We cannot do this on our own. Well, what a gift we have, passing up day 50.” (28:45)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Here you are today, in the midst of whatever other places you’ve stumbled… you are opening your heart and your mind to God’s Word. And I am proud of you.” (03:10)
• “Let it be described to you… use your imagination. If you’re not driving, close your eyes maybe and picture it.” (04:11)
• “Imagine getting to the place where we were so generous with our time, with our talent, with our treasure, that we would have to say, actually stop giving. Wouldn’t that be amazing?” (23:04)
• “He doesn’t hand us over… because He hates them. He hands them over because He loves them.” (24:45)
• “The whole point of this is not punishment. The whole point is rescue… the discipline of a father.” (25:40)
• “When we approach scripture and we don’t trust God… But when we approach the word of God and we have that spirit of trust… God is a good dad.” (26:10)
• “If I were more generous, then at some point the people who are suffering around the world would cease to suffer, at least from lack.” (23:54)
• “Holiness is to walk in the will of the Father, to act and love in the will of the Father.” (27:34)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–03:00 — Host welcome, recognition of milestone, episode roadmap
• 03:00–07:00 — Visualizing the tabernacle and its contents
• 07:00–19:30 — Scripture readings (Exodus 37-38, Leviticus 26), Psalm 82
• 19:30–22:50 — Prayer and transition to commentary
• 22:51–24:45 — Reflection on sacrificial offerings, generosity, and community impact
• 24:46–28:44 — The purpose of obedience, discipline, and God’s fatherly love; encouragement to trust
• 28:45–end — Final thoughts, call to prayer, closing blessing

Conclusion

In this episode, Fr. Mike blends vivid biblical narration, thoughtful spiritual reflection, and practical challenges to personal and communal generosity. He encourages listeners to see obedience and even discipline as rooted in God’s loving desire for intimacy and holiness with His people. The day’s readings, especially the lessons from Leviticus on covenant blessings and consequences, are framed not as mere ritual or legalism, but as invitations to deeper trust and abundant living, always in light of God’s paternal care.

“God is a good dad… The whole point of this is not punishment. The whole point is rescue.” (25:40-26:10)

For detailed scripture references, study resources, and the reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.