Overview of Day 30: Nile Turned to Blood (Bible in a Year)
Host Father Mike Schmitz leads Day 30 of the Bible in a Year podcast (Ascension), reading Exodus 6–7, Leviticus 5, and Psalm 47 (RSV-CE, Great Adventure Bible). The episode combines straight Scripture readings with Father Mike’s pastoral reflections emphasizing God's identity, ongoing revelation, mercy in the sacrificial system, and practical applications about offering what we have and remembering God's deeds.
Key scripture passages read
- Exodus 6–7 — God’s reaffirmation of covenant promises, Moses and Aaron commissioned, the rod-to-serpent sign, and the first plague: the Nile turning to blood.
- Leviticus 5 — Laws for unintentional sins, guilty parties’ offerings (lamb/goat, two turtledoves/pigeons, or a tenth of an ephah of fine flour), and restitution plus a fifth for sins involving holy things.
- Psalm 47 — A psalm of praise: God as King over all the earth; call to clap, sing, and exalt the Lord.
Chapter-by-chapter summary
Exodus 6
- God reaffirms His identity: “I am the Lord” (Yahweh) and recalls covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- Promises deliverance for Israel from Egyptian bondage and possession of Canaan.
- Genealogies of the tribes, with focus on Levi’s line (Amram, Jochebed, Aaron, Moses) and Aaron’s descendants.
Exodus 7
- God tells Moses He will harden Pharaoh’s heart while signs and wonders multiply.
- Moses (80) and Aaron (83) perform the rod-to-serpent sign before Pharaoh; Egyptian magicians replicate but Aaron’s rod swallows theirs.
- God instructs that the Nile and all Egyptian water sources will become blood; the first plague strikes but Pharaoh remains hardened.
Leviticus 5
- Rules for unwitting sin (failing to testify, touching unclean things, rash oaths): confession and guilt offerings required.
- Scaled offerings based on means: lamb/goat; if unaffordable, two turtledoves/pigeons; if still unaffordable, a tenth of an ephah of fine flour.
- For sins involving sacred property, a ram and restitution plus 20% are required; priest makes atonement and forgiveness follows.
Psalm 47
- A jubilant liturgical hymn calling all peoples to shout, clap, and sing because God reigns as King over all nations; God is exalted and sits on a holy throne.
Main themes & takeaways
- God’s identity and fresh revelation: God reiterates “I am the Lord” — reminding Moses (and Israel) of past acts while revealing Himself anew for present deliverance.
- Memory as spiritual practice: Father Mike highlights the importance of remembering God’s past deeds to sustain faith in present trials.
- Divine sovereignty and human responsibility: God will harden Pharaoh’s heart but simultaneously works signs; human leaders bear greater responsibility when they fail.
- Accessibility of mercy: The sacrificial system scales to people’s means — God’s mercy is offered even to those who can only bring a small offering (turtle doves or flour).
- Pastoral application — give what you have: God welcomes even small, imperfect offerings of heart and action. Receive God’s love and allow Him to redeem ordinary, limited resources.
- Prayer and mutual intercession: Regularly pray for one another; the host asks listeners to pray for him and offers to pray for listeners.
Notable quotes
- Scriptural: “I am the Lord... I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.” (Exodus summary)
- Host reflection: “Remember the deeds of God... we’re so tempted to have this short-term memory.”
- Pastoral encouragement: “If you can’t afford a goat… bring what you can — even some flour. I’ll take it.”
Practical applications & action items
- Read along: follow the Bible in a Year plan (RSV-CE recommended by the host) to track daily readings.
- Remember and rehearse God’s past deeds when facing current anxieties.
- Offer what you have — small acts of faith and limited resources matter to God.
- Pray for one another and intercede for the community; the host asks listeners to pray for him as he prays for them.
- Reflect on leadership accountability: recognize higher stakes when leaders fail and seek humility/repentance if in leadership.
Resources
- Bible translation used: Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition (RSV-CE), Great Adventure Bible (Ascension).
- Bible in a Year reading plan (free): ascensionpress.com/bible-in-a-year
God bless — the host signs off inviting listeners to continue the year-long journey together.