DeepSummary
In this episode, Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses the readings from 2 Kings 16, Micah 1-4, and Psalm 139. He talks about the unfaithfulness of King Ahaz, who turned away from the worship of the Lord and incorporated the practices of the Canaanites, even sacrificing his son to the god Molech. Fr. Mike also introduces the prophet Micah, who was a contemporary of Isaiah and called the people to repentance, warning of judgment but also offering hope.
Micah denounced the corrupt leaders and prophets who were leading the people astray. However, he also prophesied about the restoration of Zion and the coming of the Lord, when all nations would flow to the mountain of the Lord's house. Fr. Mike highlights the promise in Micah 4 that the Lord would judge between many nations and they would beat their swords into plowshares, living in peace under their vines and fig trees.
Finally, Fr. Mike reflects on Psalm 139, describing it as one of his favorite psalms. He is struck by the idea of the "inescapable God" who knows us intimately, even forming us in our mother's womb. The psalm invites us to seek after God and let ourselves be found by Him, despite our tendency to run away.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- King Ahaz was unfaithful to the Lord and incorporated pagan practices, even sacrificing his son to the god Molech.
- The prophet Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and called the people to repentance, warning of judgment but also offering hope for restoration.
- Micah denounced the corrupt leaders and false prophets who were leading the people astray.
- Micah prophesied about the restoration of Zion and the coming of the Lord, when all nations would flow to the mountain of the Lord's house and beat their swords into plowshares.
- Psalm 139 depicts the "inescapable God" who knows us intimately, even forming us in our mother's womb, and invites us to surrender to Him and let ourselves be found.
- Fr. Mike highlights the significance of the episode marking the halfway point of the Bible in a Year journey.
- The readings encourage repentance, faithfulness to the Lord, and trust in His promises of restoration and blessing.
- The episode emphasizes the ongoing theme of judgment and hope throughout Scripture.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Remember, Abraham, the promise is Abraham through you. You'll have a kingdom, you'll have land, you'll have worldwide blessing. The entire world will be blessed through you. And here's Micah, the prophet in chapter four, saying, this is going to happen, but it's going to happen after exile. It's going to happen after judgment. It's going to happen after the darkest day of the people of Israel's lives up to this point.“ by Fr. Mike Schmitz
- “They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and none of them shall be afraid.“ by Micah
- “But as for me, I am filled with power, with the spirit of the Lord, with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin.“ by Micah
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Episode Information
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Ascension
6/30/24
Congratulations, you've made it about halfway through the Bible in a Year journey! Today, we read again about king Ahaz's unfaithfulness in 2 Kings. We are also introduced to the prophet Micah, who is all about judgement and hope, and we read one of Fr. Mike's favorite psalms. Today's readings are 2 Kings 16, Micah 1-4, and Psalm 139.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.