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

Episode: Day 51 — Israel’s Worship of God (2026)

Date: February 20, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz (Ascension)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the completion of Israel's time in Egypt and the Exodus, culminating with the last chapters of Exodus and Leviticus. Fr. Mike explores the significance of Israel's worship practices, the practical and spiritual importance of the tabernacle, votive offerings, and how ordinary things—and ordinary people—can be transformed through dedication to God. Listeners are guided through Scripture readings (Exodus 39-40, Leviticus 27, Psalm 83), deep reflections, and prayer, marking a transition point in the biblical narrative.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Milestone in the Bible Timeline

• Completion of Egypt and Exodus Period:
  Fr. Mike emphasizes that this episode marks the last readings from Exodus and Leviticus, concluding the third period in the Great Adventure Bible Timeline. Tomorrow, the journey continues with the Desert Wanderings.
  • “Congratulations, because it is not necessarily an easy thing to have carved out this kind of time to be able to spend with the Lord and to hear His Word every single day.” (00:18)

2. The Priority of Worship

• Why the Focus on Tabernacle and Temple Details?
  Major attention is given to the construction of the tabernacle, the crafting of priests’ garments, and the consecration of holy items.
  • “We focused on the priest’s garments... the building of the laver... the altar of incense... the menorah... Why? Because of the priority of place of worship.” (21:24)
• Worship vs. Mere Knowledge:
  • “We will never be able to replace worship of God with just hearing about God… we are called 100% to worshiping him.” (22:25)

3. The Tabernacle: From Ordinary to Holy

• Transformation through Consecration:
  Fr. Mike explains how the assembled materials—though precious—remained common until consecrated. God's presence filling the tabernacle marks an extraordinary transformation.
  • “They were ordinary until they were consecrated, until they were set apart, until they were made holy. And it says there… God made them holy. And then the cloud covered the tent of meeting and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (23:01)
• Parallels to Our Lives:
  • “We are…ordinary. Yet when we are consecrated, we are made extraordinary. And when we have God’s presence with us, there’s something extraordinary about that.” (23:36)

4. Following God's Timing

• Israel Moves at God's Command:
  • “Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the sons of Israel would go onward. But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not go onward until the day that it was taken up. …We wait on the Lord. When He's ready to move, we move.” (24:10)

5. Leviticus and Votive Offerings

• Types of Offerings:
  Fr. Mike clarifies the distinction between required offerings (thank, cereal, sin, guilt) and voluntary votive offerings—acts of love and personal dedication beyond obligation.

  • “Some Israelites were so moved by the Lord, they wanted to give more—donations through a special votive offering.” (24:53)

• Dedication Cannot Be Easily Retracted:

  • “If it’s his, then it’s his. And if I’ve made this dedication… that time is his and I can’t just take it back. …There are things that belong to the Lord… And there are some things we get to do because he's moved our hearts to say this with love.” (26:35)

• Realism of Scripture:
  Fr. Mike notes how the Bible addresses human tendency to dedicate something and later want to reclaim it, laying out a clear, compassionate response.

  • “It’s so good to be called out in that way… Here’s God who says, I know your heart… It’s holy. You consecrated it to Me, so just let it be mine.” (27:56)

6. Transition to New Biblical Era

• Looking Ahead:
  Next episode, Jeff Cavins will join to introduce the period of Desert Wanderings as Israel moves from slavery and Exodus into the wilderness narratives of Numbers and Deuteronomy.

  • “Tomorrow, on Day 52, we're going to begin the desert wanderings… super excited about [Jeff Cavins joining]... Today rejoice, because you have dedicated this time to the Lord. You’ve offered it to him, and it is his.” (28:50)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Transformation:
  “Metanoia means to change your mind… nothing like God’s grace and nothing like His word proclaimed does that to us. It changes what we love, and it changes how we see.” — Fr. Mike (00:50)

• On Worship’s Primacy:
  “I would dare to say that… more important, is the worship of God.” — Fr. Mike (21:48)

• On Dedication:
  “If it’s his, then it’s his… I can’t just take it back.” — Fr. Mike (26:44)

• Encouragement to Listeners:
  “Nothing ever given to the Lord is ever wasted.” — Fr. Mike (29:21)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:04 – Fr. Mike introduces the episode and its significance in the Bible Timeline
• 21:24 – Reflection on why details of worship and the tabernacle matter
• 23:01 – The role of consecration and God’s glory filling the tabernacle
• 24:10 – The importance of moving at God’s direction
• 24:53 – Explanation of votive offerings in Leviticus 27
• 26:35 – Commitment and the call to keep what is given to God
• 28:50 – Transition to Desert Wanderings and encouragement for the journey

Conclusion

Day 51 marks an important spiritual and narrative milestone: God’s people have completed the Exodus, established the tabernacle, and set the pattern for worship and dedication that echoes through Israel’s story and into our own lives. Fr. Mike’s reflections invite listeners to consider the transformative power of worship, consecration, and commitment—reminding all that what is truly offered to God is never lost, but made holy.

Practical Takeaway:
“Today rejoice, because you have dedicated this time to the Lord. You’ve offered it to him, and it is his. And nothing ever given to the Lord is ever wasted.” — Fr. Mike (28:50)