Overview of Bible in a Year — Day 77: God Is Faithful (Ascension / Father Mike Schmitz)
This episode (Day 77) of the Bible in a Year podcast, hosted by Father Mike Schmitz, walks through Numbers 32, Deuteronomy 31, and Psalm 117 (RSV-2CE), using the Great Adventure Bible Timeline. Father Mike summarizes the narrative and draws pastoral and spiritual lessons about communal responsibility, leadership transition, human faithlessness, and God’s steadfast faithfulness. He also prays Psalm 117 and points ahead to Moses’ song in the next episode.
Passage summaries
Numbers 32: Reuben, Gad, and the Transjordan settlement
- The tribes of Reuben and Gad (and half the tribe of Manasseh) request the fertile plains of Jazer and Gilead for their livestock rather than crossing the Jordan into Canaan.
- Moses initially objects: he fears their refusal to enter Canaan will discourage the other tribes, repeating the earlier failure at Kadesh Barnea.
- The tribes promise to send all able-bodied men to fight with Israel until the land is subdued; only then will they settle east of the Jordan.
- Moses accepts the arrangement; the territories and cities for these tribes and for Manasseh are enumerated and settled.
Deuteronomy 31: Moses commissions Joshua and warns Israel
- Moses prepares for death and publicly commissions Joshua as his successor, repeatedly telling him (and the people) to “Be strong and of good courage,” because God will be with them.
- Moses writes the law and instructs the Levites to place the book of the law beside the Ark as a lasting witness.
- Every seven years (at the Feast of Booths), the law must be read publicly so all — men, women, children, and resident aliens — may hear and learn the fear of the Lord.
- God tells Moses to write and teach a “song” (Deut. 32) that will serve as a witness against Israel’s future infidelity.
- God and Moses foresee Israel’s tendency to turn from God, especially after prospering; yet God remains committed to fight for and be with them.
Psalm 117
- The shortest psalm: a universal call for all nations and peoples to praise God for His great mercy and enduring faithfulness.
Key takeaways and themes
- Communal responsibility: Individual choices affect the whole community. The Reubenites and Gadites’ promise illustrates how personal decisions must be balanced with communal solidarity.
- Influence by example: Moses warns that when some refuse to “fight” (spiritually or morally), it weakens others’ resolve.
- Leadership transition and encouragement: The repeated charge “Be strong and of good courage” is rooted not in human strength but in God’s promise to be present and faithful.
- God’s faithfulness despite human failure: God anticipates Israel’s future unfaithfulness (especially in prosperity) yet remains committed to them — a model of divine mercy and perseverance.
- The role of memory and worship: Public reading of the law and Moses’ song are tools to remind Israel (and believers) of God’s works and covenant, serving both instruction and warning.
Notable quotes & pastor’s reflections
- “Be strong and of good courage… It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” — emphasized as the core encouragement for leaders and believers.
- Father Mike’s pastoral insight: “When we’re not willing to fight, people around us aren’t willing to fight either” — highlighting how personal spiritual laxity can weaken others.
- Reflection on God’s mystery: God knows we will fail, yet He remains faithful and fights for us — an affirmation of God’s unconditional love.
Practical application / Action items
- Personal:
- Pray for courage to “fight” the spiritual battles God calls you to, trusting that He is with you.
- Reflect on areas where your example influences others; consider stepping into accountability or leadership.
- Communal:
- Encourage regular communal Scripture reading (e.g., share Deuteronomy 31 at a family or parish gathering).
- Use Psalm 117 in communal prayer as a concise reminder of God’s mercy and faithfulness.
- Spiritual formation:
- Memorize or meditate on “Be strong and of good courage” when facing transitions or fears.
- Anticipate that prosperity can be a spiritual danger; cultivate gratitude that leads to faithfulness.
Practical resources mentioned
- Great Adventure Bible Timeline and the Ascension Press Bible in a Year reading plan (AscensionPress.com).
- Father Mike reads from the Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE).
Next episode preview
- Deuteronomy 32 — the “Song of Moses” will be read and discussed; it functions as a witness against future Israelite unfaithfulness and will deepen the themes introduced today.
Closing pastoral encouragement
Father Mike prays Psalm 117, invites mutual prayer and support among listeners, asks listeners to pray for him, and emphasizes that God’s presence and faithfulness enable us to be courageous and to return to Him when we fail.