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

Episode: Day 77 – God Is Faithful
Date: March 18, 2026
Scripture Readings: Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 31, Psalm 117

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on God’s fidelity even in the face of human weakness and faithlessness. Fr. Mike guides listeners through pivotal moments in Israel’s journey—negotiations over the Transjordan land, Moses naming Joshua as successor, God’s warning of future unfaithfulness, and Psalm 117’s praise of God’s enduring mercy. Through storytelling, reflection, and prayer, Fr. Mike explores the personal and communal implications of God’s faithfulness, encouraging listeners to respond with courage and commitment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Allotment of Transjordan Lands (Numbers 32)

• Background: The tribes of Reuben and Gad, noticing the land east of the Jordan was good for cattle, request to settle there.
• Moses' Concern: Moses fears this will discourage the others from claiming the Promised Land—echoing the earlier incident at Kadesh Barnea, when the Israelites’ lack of courage led to 40 years in the wilderness.
  • “When we're not willing to fight, people around us aren't willing to fight either. ... We are not just individuals... We belong to each other.” (17:25)
  • Moses reminds them that collective morale and obedience matter; individual choices can impact the community.
• Resolution: The tribes agree to help the other Israelites conquer Canaan before returning to settle in their chosen land.
  • “Every one of you who is of fighting age has to go across the Jordan... so the other tribes are going to be unafraid to fight as well. And it's so, so important.” (18:30)
• Spiritual Parallel: Fr. Mike draws a lesson on the ripple effect of our willingness—or unwillingness—to engage in the spiritual “battle” of daily life.

2. Joshua as Moses’ Successor & God’s Assurance (Deuteronomy 31)

• Transition in Leadership:
  • Moses, now 120 years old, commissions Joshua before all Israel, passing on leadership as he’s commanded by God.
  • God commands courage:
    “Be strong and of good courage... for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” (19:48)
  • These words echo repeatedly—God’s presence, not human power, is the source of true strength.
• Public Reading of the Law: Moses instructs that every seven years, the Law should be publicly read so everyone, including children and sojourners, can hear it and learn to “fear the Lord.”
  • The importance of remembering, teaching, and transmitting God’s deeds and commands is emphasized.
• Warning of Future Unfaithfulness:
  • God tells Moses and Joshua that after entering the Promised Land, the people will grow comfortable and eventually turn to other gods, breaking the covenant.
  • God instructs Moses to write a “song” as a perpetual witness against Israel (to be seen in the next episode).
  • “He knows you are going to be faithless... and yet he still loves us and he still blesses us, and he still says, be strong and of good courage. I will be with you.” (23:00)
• Reflections on Spiritual Life:
  • Fr. Mike notes a profound truth: many turn from God in prosperity rather than suffering.
  • Despite foreknowing Israel’s future betrayal, God remains committed, signaling His unshakeable faithfulness.

3. Psalm 117: Universal Call to Worship

• The shortest psalm, yet profound, calling all nations to praise God for his mercy and faithfulness.
  • “For great is his mercy toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.” (15:51)
• Reflection and Prayer:
  • Fr. Mike leads listeners in a prayer of gratitude, confession, and petition for faithfulness in weakness.
  • “Even though you know our weakness, even though you know our frailty... you still love us even in the midst of our faithlessness.” (16:30)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Community and Responsibility

• “We have so much violence in this life, so much distress, so much poverty because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” (17:58, citing Mother Teresa)
• “We're not just individuals... we belong to each other.” (18:20)

On Courage and Faith

• “Be strong and of good courage... not because you are amazing, but because I will be with you, I will fight for you.” (20:15)

On God’s Fidelity Despite Human Failure

• “It is an incredible mystery of who God is: He not only promises to be faithful—He is faithful—even though He knows the people He loves are going to take His love and throw it into the trash.” (23:10)
• “I want to be able to love God back the way He loves me. ... I can love Him better with my whole heart instead of just with a divided heart.” (24:10)

On the Journey Together

• “Your willingness to fight, your willingness to listen to God’s word and let it shape you... it helps this community... and it helps me.” (25:10)

Important Timestamps

• Scripture Readings Begin: 01:35
• Psalm 117 & Prayer: 15:45
• Reflection on Numbers 32: 17:10
• Reflection on Community & Responsibility: 17:25
• Deuteronomy 31 Discussion: 19:00
• “Be Strong and of Good Courage” Reflection: 19:48, 20:15
• Spiritual Application & God’s Faithfulness: 23:00
• Final Personal Reflection & Prayer Request: 24:50

Summary & Takeaways

• God’s commitment is unwavering even when we falter; He knows our hearts and still chooses faithfulness and mercy.
• Our choices matter—faith and courage are contagious (or their absence is), and we’re called to responsibility for one another.
• Remembering and sharing God’s Word helps anchor us in His promises amid prosperity and adversity.
• Listeners are encouraged to pray for one another, recognizing the journey is not just personal but communal—and that perseverance is possible because we fight together, with God at our side.

“God, you fight for us. You're faithful. Please help me when I fail. Help me when I’m faithless. Help me to trust in your love and in your power to lift up and to restore.” (24:50, Fr. Mike)

End of summary.