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

Episode: Day 59 – Obligations to God
Date: February 28, 2026
Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz / Ascension

Episode Overview

In Day 59, Fr. Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Numbers 8 and 9, Deuteronomy 8, and Psalm 93. The theme focuses on what it means to have obligations to God, faithfulness in worship (exemplified through Passover and the consecration of the Levites), and the spiritual dangers of both hardship and abundance. Fr. Mike reflects on how ancient Israel’s experiences invite us to trust God’s timing and ways—whether we are in seasons of waiting, struggle, or prosperity.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Recap of Readings and Structure (00:19 – 02:50)

• Scripture Covered:

  • Numbers 8: Seven lamps, the consecration and service of the Levites
  • Numbers 9: The observance of Passover, rules for exceptions, cloud and fire guidance
  • Deuteronomy 8: Warning against forgetting God in prosperity
  • Psalm 93: Proclaiming God’s majesty

• Context Reminder:

  • Numbers: Occurs 13 months after the Exodus; Israel is new to freedom and to worship in the wilderness (20:30).
  • Deuteronomy: Moses’ final speech as Israel is poised to enter the Promised Land after 40 years.

2. Consecration and Service of the Levites – Numbers 8 (02:51 – 08:45)

• The Levites are set apart for sacred service instead of the firstborn from each Israelite family, reflecting God’s claim over the firstborn after the Exodus.
• The ritual: cleansing, sacrifices, and public presentation.
• “The Levites shall be mine... wholly given to me from among the sons of Israel.” (Numbers 8:14-16)
• Levites serve from age 25 to 50, after which they assist but no longer do primary work (emphasizes generous but time-bound service).

3. Obligation and Inclusive Nature of Passover – Numbers 9 (08:46 – 17:00)

• Passover: A perpetual, annual institution; no one should exempt themselves lightly.
• Problem Presented: Some are ritually unclean or traveling—can they skip Passover?
• God’s Instruction:
  • They may keep Passover one month later but must not forgo it entirely.
• “If any man of you... is unclean... or is afar off on a journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the Lord.” (Numbers 9:10)
• Strict Warning: Anyone who neglects without valid reason “shall be cut off from his people” (Numbers 9:13).
• Application:
  • Fr. Mike draws a parallel to the Eucharist—“If we elect to stay away from Mass, then we have essentially cut ourselves off from the people of God.” (22:00)
• Notable Moment:
  • Universal law: Both foreigner and native must observe Passover, showing God’s inclusivity.

4. The Cloud and Fire: Trust and Guidance – Numbers 9 (17:01 – 20:00)

• The Israelites move or stay camped according to God’s visible sign—pillar of cloud and fire.
• Key Insight:
  • “I will move when God calls me to move. And if you don’t call me to move, I’ll stay put.” (23:08)
• Teaches trust: Sometimes God’s direction requires waiting; sometimes acting. Spiritual readiness means sensitivity to God’s timing.

5. Remembering God in Abundance – Deuteronomy 8 (20:01 – 26:00)

• Moses warns the Israelites not to forget God once they enter “a land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing.” (Deut 8:9)
• God’s past provision: manna, guidance, clothing that did not wear out.
• Crucial Reflection:
  • Temptation is often greatest in times of plenty, not only in times of want.
  • “Oftentimes we think that we forget God in the dark... too often we forget God in the sunny days, we forget God when we’re abundantly blessed.” (25:40)
• Don’t attribute success to self alone: “Beware lest you say in your heart, my power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.” (Deut 8:17)

6. Psalm 93 and Prayer (26:01 – 28:30)

• Proclamation: “The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty... Mightier than the thunders of many waters...” (Psalm 93)
• Guided Prayer:
  • Gratitude for God’s Word and guidance
  • Plea: “Help us, Lord, to trust in your light... Help us never ever to forget.” (27:10)
  • Emphasis: Following God wherever he leads, trusting both in times of waiting and abundance

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You shall participate fully in the Passover, because this is an obligation... Even being unclean or traveling doesn’t dispense you from this.” – Fr. Mike (22:00)
• “If we dispense ourselves from this true and living worship... we are cutting ourselves off.” – Fr. Mike (22:30)
• “We think that we forget God in the dark... but too often we forget God in the sunny days, when everything is going well.” – Fr. Mike (25:40)
• “I will move when God asks me to move, and I’ll stay when he asks me to stay. But also, in times of scarcity and times of abundance—to remember all that the Lord has done.” – Fr. Mike (26:15)
• “You’re my beloved possession... my firstborn. And I’m going to bless you so exceedingly that you’re going to be tempted to forget me.” – Fr. Mike (24:30)

Important Timestamps

• 00:19 – Introduction and scripture listing
• 02:51 – Numbers 8: Seven lamps and Levites’ consecration
• 08:46 – Numbers 9: Passover and obligations
• 17:01 – The cloud and fire: Trusting God’s leading
• 20:01 – Deuteronomy 8: Warning against forgetting God
• 26:01 – Psalm 93 and prayer/reflection
• 27:10 – Guided prayer and episode wrap-up

Final Reflection

Fr. Mike invites listeners to hold fast to the truth that faithfulness in worship is not just about ritual but about remembrance, gratitude, and a heart attuned to God’s timing. Whether in seasons of challenge or prosperity, our deepest obligation is to remember God, trust his provision, and remain steadfast in following where he leads.