Podcast Summary: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) – Day 91: Gideon's Story
Podcast Information
- Title: The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
- Host: Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Producer: Ascension
- Episode: Day 91: Gideon's Story (2025)
- Release Date: April 1, 2025
- Duration: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Introduction
At the outset of Day 91, Fr. Mike Schmitz welcomes listeners to "The Bible in a Year" podcast, emphasizing the journey through the entire Bible in 365 episodes. He highlights the unique structure inspired by Jeff Cavins' "The Great Adventure Bible Timeline," which provides a comprehensive understanding of salvation history. Fr. Mike introduces the day's readings from the Book of Judges (chapters 6-8) and the Book of Ruth (chapter 3), setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Gideon's narrative.
Notable Quote:
"Today, we are praying for each other. ... you belong here, here. And the Lord does want to speak to you today."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:13]
Scripture Readings Overview
Fr. Mike reads from the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition, covering:
- Judges 6-8: The story of Gideon, his calling, the battle against the Midianites, and his subsequent downfall.
- Ruth 3: Ruth's encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, highlighting themes of loyalty and divine provision.
- Psalm 135: A hymn of praise celebrating God's deeds and sovereignty.
Reflections and Insights
Gideon's Call and Initial Actions
Fr. Mike delves into Gideon's introduction as a "mighty man of valor" who grapples with self-doubt despite his God-given potential. The narrative unfolds with Gideon's divine commissioning to save Israel from Midianite oppression.
Notable Quote:
"Gideon said, please, Lord, how can I deliver Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [00:20]
Fr. Mike emphasizes Gideon's humility and reluctance, portraying him as an everyman chosen by God despite his initial hesitations.
Testing God's Promise
Gideon's request for signs using the fleece illustrates the human desire for assurance in divine promises. Fr. Mike connects this to modern faith, acknowledging that seeking confirmation is a natural part of spiritual growth.
Notable Quote:
"If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will deliver Israel by my hand, as you have said."
— Gideon [00:35]
Divine Strategy and Victory
The reduction of Gideon's army from 22,000 to 300 men underscores God's strategy to ensure that the forthcoming victory is attributed to divine intervention rather than human might. Fr. Mike highlights the importance of faith and obedience over sheer numbers.
Notable Quote:
"With the 300 men that lapped, I will deliver you and give the Midianites into your hand."
— Lord [Judges 7:7]
Fr. Mike elaborates on how this strategy prevented Israel from boasting, fostering a reliance on God.
Human Frailties and Idolatry
Despite his triumphs, Gideon's establishment of an ephod becomes a snare for himself and his family, leading to idolatry. Fr. Mike reflects on the susceptibility of even the faithful to drift towards distractions that can overshadow true worship.
Notable Quote:
"All Israel played the harlot after it there. And it became a snare to Gideon and to his family."
— Judges 8:27
Fr. Mike uses this to caution against the subtle dangers of misplaced devotion and the importance of continuous vigilance in faith.
Ruth’s Role and the Kinsman Redeemer
Shifting to the Book of Ruth, Fr. Mike explains the concept of the "kinsman redeemer" (goel) — a role pivotal in Israel's societal structure for ensuring justice and continuity. Ruth's plea to Boaz exemplifies trust and the extension of God's grace through human relationships.
Notable Quote:
"I am Ruth, your maidservant. Spread your garment over your maidservant, for you are next of kin."
— Ruth [Ruth 3:9]
Fr. Mike draws parallels between the kinsman redeemer and Jesus Christ, underscoring the fulfillment of this role in the New Testament's message of redemption and sacrifice.
Key Themes and Discussions
- Faith and Doubt: Gideon's journey illustrates the balance between trusting in God and grappling with personal insecurities.
- Divine Sovereignty: God's control over the numbers in Gideon's army emphasizes His ultimate authority in achieving His purposes.
- Obedience and Reward: Obedience to God's commands leads to victory, while disobedience or deviation introduces unforeseen complications.
- Idolatry’s Subtlety: Even well-intentioned actions, like creating symbols of worship, can inadvertently lead to spiritual pitfalls.
- Redemption and Grace: Ruth's story exemplifies selfless love and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through individual actions.
Conclusions and Final Thoughts
Fr. Mike concludes the episode by reflecting on the multifaceted nature of Gideon — a leader chosen by God who ultimately succumbs to the same temptations faced by many. He emphasizes the lesson that no one is immune to distractions from true worship and the importance of maintaining fidelity to God's commands.
Connecting Ruth's narrative, Fr. Mike highlights the continuity of God's redemptive work from the Old Testament to the New Testament, reinforcing the overarching theme of salvation history. He encourages listeners to remain steadfast in their faith, drawing strength from these biblical accounts.
Notable Quote:
"The role of the kinsman redeemer of the Old Testament and Jesus Christ in the New Testament...he has made us his brother in all things. And he's forfeited his life to redeem us."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz [End of Episode]
Fr. Mike expresses gratitude to listeners for their commitment and reiterates the transformative power of engaging with God's Word daily.
Prayer and Blessing
The episode concludes with a heartfelt prayer led by Fr. Mike, invoking God's peace, guidance, and continued presence in the listeners' lives. He blesses the audience, reinforcing the communal aspect of faith and the shared journey through Scripture.
Closing Prayer:
"May we know who you are and lift up our voices and our hearts to always honor you, always praise you, and always thank you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen."
— Fr. Mike Schmitz
Takeaways for Listeners
- Understanding Leadership and Humility: Gideon's story teaches the importance of humility and reliance on God, regardless of personal strengths or societal status.
- Awareness of Idolatry: Vigilance against subtle forms of idolatry is crucial to maintaining a pure and focused faith.
- Redemptive Relationships: Ruth's interaction with Boaz exemplifies how God orchestrates relationships to fulfill His redemptive plans.
- Continuity of Salvation History: The episode bridges Old Testament narratives with New Testament fulfillment, highlighting the cohesive story of salvation.
Listeners are encouraged to continue their journey through the Bible with a deeper understanding of how each story interweaves into the grand narrative of God's love and redemption.
Join Us Tomorrow: Fr. Mike invites listeners to tune in for the next episode, which will continue exploring the Book of Ruth and its significance in the broader context of the Bible's salvation history.
Stay Connected:
- Bible in a Year Reading Plan: Available at ascensionpress.com/BibleInYear
- Purchase Bibles: Accessible via ascensionpress.com or major retailers like Amazon.
- Engage with the Podcast: Subscribe, rate, and review on your preferred podcast platform to support the community and spread the message.
Thank you for joining Fr. Mike Schmitz on this enriching journey through Scripture. May God's Word continue to inspire and transform your daily life. God bless!