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

Day 55: Obedience to God (2026)

Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
Readings: Numbers 4, Deuteronomy 4, Psalm 88

Overview

This episode centers on the essential biblical theme of obedience to God, exploring its foundations within the narratives and laws of Israel's desert journey (Numbers 4), Moses' final exhortations (Deuteronomy 4), and the desperate trust expressed in Psalm 88. Fr. Mike guides listeners through the practical, theological, and spiritual implications of these readings, drawing out lessons about vocation, fidelity, and trust, even in darkness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context and Structure of Readings

• Numbers 4: The assignment of duties among the Levitical families (Kohathites, Gershonites, Merarites) for care of the Tabernacle.
• Deuteronomy 4: Moses urges the Israelites to wholehearted obedience, recalls their unique encounter with God, and warns against idolatry.
• Psalm 88: A psalm of profound lament, emphasizing praying through darkness.

2. Roles and Vocations within the Levites

• Sanctity of Duties:

  • Only the sons of Aaron (priests) may handle or see the most holy objects.
  • Other Levites (Kohathites, Gershonites, Merarites) have critical support roles.
  • Obedience in accepting specifically assigned roles is a form of faithfulness.

• Every Task Matters:

  “God appointed each to his task of serving and carrying. … That’s so important for us to understand … the whole body is necessary.”
  — Fr. Mike (20:22)

• Personal Application:

  • Each person is created for a “definite task.”
  • Life and vocation, even if unseen or “lesser,” matter deeply in God’s plan.

3. Obedience and Faithfulness in Deuteronomy

• Moses’ Final Appeal:

  • Israel is called not to add or subtract from God’s commandments.
  • Faithful obedience is presented as a source of wisdom and blessing.
  • Idolatry is a core temptation—a heart “factory” for idols.

• A Near and Personal God:

  “For what great nation is there that has a God so near to it as the Lord our God is to us whenever we call upon him?”
  — Moses (Deut 4:7) [12:30]

• Intergenerational Responsibility:

  • Teach God’s deeds to children and grandchildren to avoid forgetfulness.

• Warning and Hope:

  • Disobedience leads to exile and hardship.
  • God’s mercy is always available to the truly repentant: “You will seek the Lord your God. And you will find him if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut 4:29) [14:10]

4. The Uniqueness of Psalm 88’s Lament

• Unresolved Despair:

  • Unlike other psalms, Psalm 88 ends in darkness:

    “My one companion is darkness.”
    — Psalm 88 [18:50]

• Tradition and Christ’s Passion:

  “Tradition says by Jesus himself, when he was abandoned by his friends… He spent that night in prison. … My one companion is darkness. So we know that when we're in darkness … we are not alone.”
  — Fr. Mike (19:10)

• Spiritual Insight:

  • God is present even when He feels absent; our darkness is not unknown to Him.

5. Reflective Exhortations from Fr. Mike

• On Vocation:

  “God knows your life. … He has created me for some definite task. And I might not know what that is, but I do know that you have made me on purpose. … Your life matters.”
  — Fr. Mike (22:10)

• On Idolatry:

  “Your heart is an idol-making factory. … God's word… purifies us … reminds us of the truth, that God is faithful, that he does know our name, that he has assigned a specific task, that we do matter, and that he then also has to be God in our lives.”
  — Fr. Mike (24:00)

• On Community:

  • Encouragement to join or support discussion groups.
  • Emphasizes the Bible as a public, communal proclamation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Distribution of Tasks (Numbers 4)

• Fr. Mike:

  “According to the Lord, they were appointed each to his task… The whole body is necessary.”
  [20:22]

• Fr. Mike, referencing St. John Henry Newman:

  “Lord, you have created me for some definitive task.”
  [22:05]

On Obedience and Witness (Deuteronomy 4)

• Moses:

  “Keep them and do them; for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples...”
  [12:45]

• Moses:

  “There is no other [God] besides him… therefore you shall keep his statutes and his commandments…”
  [16:40]

On Psalm 88 and Suffering

• Fr. Mike:

  “This is your prayer that you’ve placed into our mouth… the Son of God, Jesus himself, prayed this prayer.”
  [19:10]

• Fr. Mike:

  “When we are in darkness, we are not alone. Because you have made the darkness your home, in the abandonment and in the rejection of your Son, Jesus.”
  [19:35]

• Fr. Mike:

  “Every other psalm ends with a note of promise, except for Psalm 88.”
  [20:00]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Introduction & Context: 00:04–03:30
• Numbers 4 Reading: 03:35–10:40
• Deuteronomy 4 Reading: 10:45–16:50
• Psalm 88 Reading & Prayer: 16:55–20:00
• Reflection on Levite Roles & Vocation: 20:05–23:15
• Reflection on Obedience & Idolatry: 23:15–25:30
• Exhortation to Community: 25:31–End

Tone & Closing

Fr. Mike’s tone is warm, pastoral, and invitational—balancing reverence for Scripture’s demands with deep encouragement. He emphasizes that obedience is not legalism but loving trust in a God who both commands and accompanies. The episode closes with a strong invocation of community, a reminder of each person’s worth, and a blessing rooted in hope, even when life feels like Psalm 88’s unresolved darkness.

Summary:
Day 55 confronts listeners with the challenge and necessity of obedience to God—not as mere rule-following, but as trustful participation in His plan, no matter one’s station or circumstances. Our tasks, sufferings, and darkness all belong within God’s faithful story. The call is clear: heed God’s statutes, guard the heart from idols, trust Him in every vocation, and never forget—He is near, especially when He feels farthest away.