Podcast Summary: "Day 87: God Keeps His Promises"

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) — March 28, 2026

Main Theme

"God Keeps His Promises"—This episode centers on the conclusion of land distribution among the tribes of Israel in the Book of Joshua (chapters 19-21), the establishment of the cities of refuge, the allocation of cities to the Levites, and the powerful fulfillment of God’s promises to His people. Fr. Mike Schmitz reflects on God’s long-term faithfulness, the necessity of human cooperation, and the invitation to rest in humble trust (Psalm 131).

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Dividing the Promised Land

(00:04–16:00)

• Joshua 19–21 details how Canaan is apportioned by lot among the tribes—including Simeon, Zebulun, Issachar, Asher, Naphtali, Dan, and Joshua himself (19:1-51).
• Not just a historical record: these names and places matter because they represent fulfillment of ancient promises and real history.
  • "It's kind of one of those days where it's like, man, oh man, we got to get through this. All the names, all the places. But these places are meaningful. They're important to us... because they're history." (20:04, Fr. Mike)

2. Cities of Refuge

(16:00–18:30)

• God commands the establishment of six cities of refuge (20:1-9), safe spaces for those who unintentionally kill, providing due process and protection from revenge.
• The system reflects God’s justice and mercy—for both Israelites and sojourners.

3. Cities for the Levites

(18:30–21:30)

• The Levites, set apart as priests and temple servants, are given forty-eight cities spread among all the tribes (21:1-42).
• This arrangement intertwines priestly presence across the land, ensuring spiritual care is available everywhere.

4. Fulfillment of God’s Promises

(21:30–23:30 — Reflections)

• The episode climaxes with Joshua 21:43-45, which proclaims God’s promises to Israel have been fulfilled in full.
• Fr. Mike emphasizes the generational, gradual nature of God’s faithfulness:
  • "Not one of all the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed. All came to pass." (21:39, quoting Joshua 21:45)
  • God's promises are fulfilled not instantly, but over centuries, requiring human cooperation and perseverance.

5. Reflection on Psalm 131—Humble Trust & Rest

(23:30–26:10)

• Psalm 131’s theme of calm, childlike trust is a favorite of Fr. Mike’s:
  • "I often give it as a penance in confession because it's just... a prayer of humble trust..." (23:55)
• Contrasts today’s frequent striving and unrest with the invitation to rest peacefully in God’s love:
  • "Oftentimes we strive against the Lord. We battle against the Lord. And Psalm 131 reminds us, no, in silence and peace, I rest in the Lord's arms, as a child in his mother's arms." (24:20)

6. Invitation for Personal Application

(26:10–27:45)

• Encouragement to let every heartbeat and breath become a prayer of gratitude and trust.
• A call to abide in God's love and to return again tomorrow for Joshua's "famous last words" to Israel.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the significance of the “boring” tribal lists:
  "These places are meaningful. They're important to us to note because they're history." (20:07, Fr. Mike Schmitz)

• On God’s faithfulness despite delays and struggles:
  "Not one of all the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel had failed. All came to pass." (21:39, quoting Joshua 21:45)
  "What God has promised, he will. He will fulfill. But it doesn't mean that he fulfills it immediately. It doesn't necessarily mean that he fills it without a fight, but it does mean that he is faithful to his promises." (22:12)

• On Psalm 131 and humble trust:
  "Psalm 131... it's just that prayer of humble trust... In silence and in peace, I rest in the Lord's arms, as a child in his mother's arms." (24:10)

• On cooperating with God’s plan instead of resisting:
  "We might be called to battles, we might be called to struggle or striving, but not battle against the Lord. Not striving against the Lord, but to be able to be at peace and abide, abide in His love..." (25:05)

• Final encouragement:
  "Just say, Lord, speak. Your servant is listening. I’m praying for you. Please pray for me." (27:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:04 — Introduction and recap of Bible reading sequence
• 01:20–16:00 — Reading and commentary on Joshua 19–21 (land divisions, cities of refuge, Levite cities)
• 21:30–23:30 — Reflection: God’s promises fulfilled (Joshua 21:45)
• 23:30–26:10 — Reflection on Psalm 131: Childlike trust and spiritual rest
• 26:10–27:45 — Personal encouragement and preview of next episode

Tone and Style

Fr. Mike Schmitz maintains an accessible, sincere, and encouraging tone. He balances scriptural history with real-world application, consistently inviting listeners to trust God, participate actively in His promises, and find true rest in faith—even amidst life’s battles.

Summary prepared for listeners of “Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz),” Episode Day 87: “God Keeps His Promises.”