Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 70: The Offense of Balaam

Episode Details:

• Title: Day 70: The Offense of Balaam
• Release Date: March 11, 2025
• Duration: 20-25 minutes
• Readings: Numbers 22, Deuteronomy 23, Psalm 105
• Prayer: Guided prayer through Psalm 105
• Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
• Producer: Ascension

Overview

In Day 70 of The Bible in a Year podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz delves into a pivotal moment in the Bible that intertwines themes of obedience, divine intervention, and the perils of corruption. This episode explores the narrative of Balaam, a soothsayer summoned by King Balak of Moab to curse the Israelites, and examines the broader implications of his actions within the context of God's overarching plan for salvation history.

Today's Readings

Numbers 22: The Summoning of Balaam

Fr. Mike begins by narrating the story of Balak, the Moabite king, who, fearing the might of the Israelites, seeks to diminish their strength by hiring Balaam to curse them. Despite Balak's entreaties, God intervenes, instructing Balaam not to curse the Israelites as they are blessed. Balaam's initial refusal escalates when Balak sends more distinguished emissaries, prompting God to permit Balaam to go with strict instructions to only speak what God commands. This sets the stage for the infamous encounter between Balaam, his donkey, and the angel of the Lord.

Deuteronomy 23: Laws on Exclusion and Ritual Purity

The episode transitions to Deuteronomy 23, where Fr. Mike highlights laws that address the exclusion from the assembly of the Lord. Notably, the text references Balaam directly, condemning his actions and those who follow his corrupt path. These laws serve as both societal guidelines and spiritual safeguards, emphasizing the importance of holiness and integrity within the community.

Psalm 105: A Hymn of Praise for God’s Faithfulness

Psalm 105 is recited as a prayer, celebrating God's unwavering faithfulness to Israel. It recounts the covenant with Abraham, the deliverance from Egypt, and the miracles performed during the wilderness journey. This psalm underscores the enduring relationship between God and His people, setting a contrast to the temporary turmoil caused by external threats like Moab.

Reflections and Insights

Fr. Mike offers a profound analysis of Balaam’s character, portraying him as a powerful but ultimately flawed individual. Balaam, recognized as a soothsayer with spiritual connections, initially resists Balak's request due to divine prohibition. However, Balak’s persistence and the promise of greater honor tempt Balaam to reconsider, highlighting the human susceptibility to corruption when faced with power and wealth.

A pivotal moment in the narrative is Balaam's encounter with his donkey. Fr. Mike reflects on this miracle, noting its symbolic representation of divine intervention and the folly of Balaam's intentions. The talking donkey, an unusual and miraculous event, serves as a divine reprimand, ultimately leading Balaam to recognize his wrongdoing.

Fr. Mike draws on early church interpretations, specifically referencing St. Ambrose, who viewed Balaam's offense not merely as his duplicity but as his willingness to prioritize personal gain over divine command. This perspective aligns with New Testament warnings, such as in 2 Peter 2 and Jude, which cite Balaam as an example of those who abandon the right path for unrighteousness, emphasizing the enduring relevance of Balaam’s story as a cautionary tale against greed and moral compromise.

The episode culminates in a discussion on the temptations of modern life, paralleling Balaam’s desire for honor and wealth with contemporary challenges. Fr. Mike encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, resisting the allure of power and wealth that can lead to ethical lapses and spiritual downfall.

Key Takeaways

• Divine Sovereignty: God’s control over human intentions, as seen in Balaam’s restricted ability to curse Israel.
• The Danger of Corruption: Balaam's susceptibility to temptation underscores the ease with which individuals can stray from divine commands when enticed by power and wealth.
• Miraculous Interventions: The talking donkey symbolizes God’s method of guiding and correcting those who deviate from His will.
• Historical and Theological Context: Understanding Balaam’s story within the broader narrative of Israel reinforces the importance of obedience and faithfulness to God’s covenant.

Notable Quotes

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:04]: “The Bible in a Year podcast is brought to you by Ascension. Using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline, we'll read all the way from Genesis to Revelation, discovering how the story of salvation unfolds and how we fit into that story.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [Near End]: “Balaam is this soothsayer, essentially. You know, he's someone that is recognized by the people in that area as being someone who has some kind of spiritual connection.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [Reflection]: “What offense does Balaam commit except that he said one thing and plotted another.”

• Fr. Mike Schmitz [Reflection]: “Balaam is willing to sell himself and sell his soul essentially for money, for influence, for fame, for power. And that can be our temptation as well.”

Conclusion

Day 70 of The Bible in a Year offers a compelling exploration of Balaam’s story, revealing timeless lessons on obedience, the dangers of succumbing to temptation, and the steadfastness of God’s plans. Fr. Mike Schmitz masterfully connects ancient scripture to modern-day applications, encouraging listeners to navigate their spiritual journeys with integrity and faith. As the episode closes, Fr. Mike extends a heartfelt invitation to continue this transformative journey together, fostering a deeper understanding of Scripture and its relevance in today’s world.

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