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

Episode: Day 66 – Forbidden Forms of Worship
Date: March 7, 2026

Overview

In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz walks listeners through Numbers 17, parts of Deuteronomy 17 and 18, and Psalm 98. The day's main theme is God’s clear instruction on forbidden forms of worship and the necessary boundaries for leaders and the people in worship and governance. Fr. Mike emphasizes the importance of fidelity, giving God our best, and the prophetic pointing toward Christ in the Old Testament laws.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Numbers 17 – The Blossoming of Aaron’s Rod

Timestamp: 03:00 – 06:00

• The story centers on God's public confirmation of Aaron’s priestly line.
• Each tribe brings forward a staff; only Aaron’s rod from Levi blossoms and even produces ripe almonds—a miraculous sign.
• Key Insight: This miraculous event settles disputes about who is chosen for priestly service, affirming God’s authority.
  • Fr. Mike: “I know you all want to serve in the temple. I know everyone wants to be a priest, but it’s only going to be from the family of Aaron of the tribe of Levi.” (06:15)
• The sign is meant to end rebellion and murmuring against Moses and Aaron.

2. Deuteronomy 17 – Forbidden Forms of Worship & Legal Authority

Timestamp: 06:30 – 13:30

• God forbids offering blemished sacrifices: nothing but the best should be offered to Him.

  • Fr. Mike: “If there was a defective sheep or ox or cattle, whatever...that defective thing is not given to God. And that reminds us so clearly of the fact that we give God our best.” (07:30)

• Idolatry is condemned: worship of other gods (including sun and moon) is a grave offense.

• Due process is required for accusations of idolatry:

  • Must be confirmed by two or three witnesses—not one (preventing false accusations).
  • The accuser must be the first to cast a stone, representing personal accountability.
  • Penalty for confirmed idolatry is capital punishment—a harsh but intensely cautious process.
  • Fr. Mike: “It’s harsh, but it’s brilliant… the part of the wisdom of God. It’s a brutal wisdom, but I do believe it is still wisdom.” (10:10)

• Complex cases are to be brought before priests or judges at the Lord’s chosen place. The people must abide by their rulings—disobedience leads to death for the sake of communal justice.

3. Deuteronomy 17:14–20 – Limitations on Royal Power

Timestamp: 13:30 – 16:00

• God foresees the request for a king and imposes restrictions:

  • The king must be an Israelite, chosen by God.
  • He must not accumulate horses, return people to Egypt, have many wives, or amass silver and gold.
  • Every king must write out his own copy of the law, reading it daily to remain humble and obedient to God.

• Foreshadowing of Future Failures: Fr. Mike notes the prophecy directly predicts King Solomon’s downfall due to excessive wives and wealth:

  • Fr. Mike: “That is literally what happens to King Solomon… his heart turns to serve other gods.” (15:20)

4. Deuteronomy 18 – Priestly Privilege and Forbidden Practices

Timestamp: 16:00 – 18:30

• The Levites and priests have no land inheritance; the Lord is their inheritance.
• The people are to support the priests through offerings—showing God’s care for His ministers.
• Strict prohibition against abominable practices observed in surrounding pagan nations:
  • No child sacrifice, no divination, fortune-telling, sorcery, necromancy, etc.
  • Fr. Mike: “For whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD.” (17:40)

5. Promise of a Future Prophet

Timestamp: 18:30 – 20:00

• God promises to raise a prophet like Moses from among Israel’s brothers.
  • This prophet speaks God's own words; those who do not heed him face serious consequences.
• Fr. Mike links this directly to the coming of Jesus:
  • Fr. Mike: “Ultimately, that prophet like Moses is our Lord Jesus. Here we are, way back in Deuteronomy… promising the days are gonna come when the Lord raises up a prophet like me.” (19:05)
• True and false prophecy: If a prophet’s words do not come true, people need not fear him.

6. Psalm 98 – Song of Praise for God’s Faithfulness

Timestamp: 21:00 – 22:00

• The psalm extols God’s victory, mercy, and righteousness.
• Fr. Mike emphasizes the continued call to worship God joyfully and faithfully.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On human accountability in justice:
  “The person throwing the first stone has to be one of the accusers… That costs a lot from a human being. It’s the part of the wisdom of God. It’s a brutal wisdom, but I do believe it is still wisdom.” — Fr. Mike (10:00)

• On giving God our best:
  “That defective thing is not given to God. And that reminds us so clearly of the fact that we give God our best. And that’s what we’re called to do.” — Fr. Mike (07:30)

• On prophetic fulfillment:
  “Ultimately, that prophet like Moses is our Lord Jesus. This is one of the prophecies of Jesus… the fulfillment of that great role of prophet.” — Fr. Mike (19:05)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 03:00 – Reading and summary of Numbers 17
• 06:30 – Beginning of Deuteronomy 17 commentary (forbidden worship)
• 10:00 – Legal procedure for idolatry, justice aspects
• 13:30 – Restrictions for future kings
• 16:00 – Priestly privileges and Levite roles
• 17:40 – Condemnation of sorcery and pagan practices
• 18:30 – Promise of a coming prophet
• 21:00 – Psalm 98 reflection and praise

Closing Reflections

• Fr. Mike encourages listeners to reflect on how ancient Israel’s worship and boundaries shed light on our call to faithful worship today.
• He ties the laws and stories to the person and mission of Jesus, reiterating the significance of prophecy and fulfillment.
• Final encouragement:
  “I just want to encourage you to stick with this because it is important for us to understand here is how the Lord desired to be worshiped in the past and it reveals something even more deeply about how the Lord desires to be worshiped in the present.” — Fr. Mike (22:35)

Prayers & Community

Fr. Mike prays for the listeners, encourages prayer for one another, and reminds everyone:
“You are not alone on this. We need to encourage each other and walk with each other and lift each other up.” (23:00)

Listen for a detailed scriptural journey and thoughtful connections between Old Testament law, the heart of biblical worship, and the fulfillment found in Jesus Christ.