Podcasts > The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) > Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

By Ascension

Embark on a spiritual journey with Father Mike Schmitz in the latest installment of "The Bible in a Year" podcast, where faith and holy scripture converge. Father Schmitz delves into the classic narratives of Numbers and Deuteronomy, providing a thought-provoking examination of the legacy and laws left by Moses. In this episode, titled "Day 77: God Is Faithful," listeners are given insight into the prophetic appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor and the tribes of Reuben and Gad's plea for land—a significant moment that reflects not only on ancient agrarian concerns but also on the virtues of commitment and agreement in the face of divine promise.

Father Mike's exploration reveals a deeper understanding of the tribes’ negotiations with Moses and God’s unwavering loyalty to His people, despite the foresight of their (the Israelites') eventual infidelity. The episode also underscores the need for financial support to keep such enriching content free and accessible to all. Ascension's mission is emphasized, highlighting the importance of donations in ensuring the continuous production and distribution of free, authentic Catholic digital media. Join Father Mike as he weaves through biblical history, inviting listeners to reflect on both human nature and divine grace, captured within the timeless wisdom of the scriptures.

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Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

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Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

1-Page Summary

Key donations help produce Ascension's free Catholic content

Ascension calls upon the faithful to financially support their initiative for creating free Catholic digital media. Father Mike Schmitz is at the forefront of this appeal, encouraging ongoing contributions from listeners. These donations are pivotal for Ascension's mission to produce and distribute authentically Catholic content, including podcasts and multimedia resources that are available at no cost. Such contributions allow for the nourishment of faith and the dissemination of the Gospel message.

Bible study in Numbers and Deuteronomy continues

Father Mike dives into a detailed discussion of the tribes of Reuben and Gad from the biblical chapters of Numbers 32. These tribes request the lands east of the Jordan River for their cattle, after recognizing the land's suitability for livestock following the defeat of the Midianites. Moses responds by asking them to aid in conquering the Promised Land before settling. They agree, promising their warriors will fight alongside the other Israelites, and Moses dictates that the lands of Jazer and Gilead will be theirs on this condition. Their agreement carries the implicit understanding that without their participation in the battle, they would not receive the lands and would instead have to settle in Canaan with the rest.

Joshua appointed as Moses' successor

The biblical narrative marks an important transition as Moses prepares Joshua to become the new leader of Israel. Moses compiles the laws and the Song of Moses as a reminder of God's faithfulness and as an instructional guide for the Israelites, commanding that it be read every seven years. God predicts to Moses that the Israelites will eventually forsake Him, leading to adverse consequences. Despite this foreknowledge of betrayal, Father Mike Schmitz emphasizes God's enduring faithfulness and love, encapsulated in the Song of Moses, which stands as a testament against Israel should they turn from God's commandments.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ascension is a Catholic media organization that relies on donations to create and share free digital content, including podcasts and multimedia resources. Father Mike Schmitz is involved in encouraging financial support for Ascension's mission. The donations received are crucial for Ascension to continue producing authentic Catholic content for the benefit of the faithful. Ascension's work aims to nurture faith and spread the Gospel message through various digital platforms.
  • In Numbers 32, the tribes of Reuben and Gad request land east of the Jordan River for their livestock. Moses agrees but on the condition that they help conquer the Promised Land first. This episode highlights the importance of unity and commitment among the Israelites as they journey towards their new homeland.
  • Moses prepared Joshua to lead Israel by compiling laws and the Song of Moses. This marked a significant transition in leadership for the Israelites. The Song of Moses served as a reminder of God's faithfulness and a guide for the people. Despite foreseeing Israel's future betrayal, God's enduring love and faithfulness were emphasized through this preparation.
  • The Song of Moses is a poetic passage found in the Book of Deuteronomy. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness and a warning against turning away from His commandments. The song recounts the history of Israel and emphasizes the covenant between God and His people. It is a significant part of the Old Testament narrative, highlighting themes of obedience, faithfulness, and consequences for disobedience.

Counterarguments

  • Donations to religious organizations could be directed towards more direct forms of charity or social work.
  • The effectiveness of digital media in nourishing faith and spreading the Gospel message might not be equally impactful for all demographics, particularly those without access to digital technology.
  • The historical accuracy of biblical narratives, such as the story of the tribes of Reuben and Gad, is often debated among scholars.
  • The appointment of Joshua as Moses' successor could be seen as an example of divine right, which contrasts with modern democratic principles of leadership selection.
  • The compilation of laws by Moses and the Song of Moses might be interpreted differently across various Christian denominations and religious traditions.
  • The prediction of the Israelites forsaking God could be viewed as a narrative device to teach about consequences and moral responsibility rather than a literal prophecy.

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Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

Key donations help produce Ascension's free Catholic content

Ascension invites the faithful and listeners to play a supportive role in the creation and distribution of free Catholic digital media through their financial generosity.

Listeners invited to support Ascension financially through ongoing donations

Father Mike Schmitz extends an invitation to listeners, encouraging them to consider making an ongoing financial contribution. These donations are crucial in fueling the mission and operations of Ascension.

Ascension uses donations to make free, authentically Catholic digital content

Schmitz elaborates on how such financia ...

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Key donations help produce Ascension's free Catholic content

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Ascension is a Catholic media organization that produces and distributes free digital content such as podcasts, videos, and other resources to support and strengthen the faith of its audience. They rely on donations from supporters to fund their operations and continue creating authentic Catholic content. Father Mike Schmitz, a prominent figure associated with Ascension, often encourages listeners to contribute financially to help sustain the organization's mission. The content produced by Ascension aims to spread the Gospel message and provide spiritual nourishment to the faithful.
  • The free Catholic digital content produced by Ascension includes podcasts, videos, and multimedia resources. These resources are created to support and strengthen the faith of Catholics. They are designed to spread the message of the Gospel and provide authentic Catholic teachings. The content aims to engage listeners and viewers in their spiritual journey.
  • Donations directly impact the creation and distribution of content by providing the necessary financial resources to produce free Ca ...

Counterarguments

  • Donations might not always be managed effectively, and there could be concerns about financial transparency and accountability within the organization.
  • Some individuals may believe that the content produced is not fully representative of the diversity within Catholicism or that it emphasizes certain theological perspectives over others.
  • There could be a perception that asking for ongoing financial contributions places undue pressure on listeners, especially those who may not be in a position to give.
  • Alternative funding models, such as grants or sponsorships, might be suggested to reduce reliance on listener donations.
  • The effectiveness of digital content in nourishing faith and spreading the Gospel message could be questioned, as some may argu ...

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Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

Bible study in Numbers and Deuteronomy continues

Father Mike elaborates on a significant moment from Numbers 32 during his Bible study, shedding light on the requests of the tribes of Reuben and Gad and the leadership of Moses in guiding the Israelites.

Tribes of Reuben and Gad request land east of the Jordan River for their cattle

After the Israelites defeat the Midianites, the sons of Reuben and Gad, who have many cattle, realize that the plains of Moab are ideal for livestock. They observe the lands of Jazer and Gilead as especially suitable for their cattle and request Moses to grant this region for their possession, asking not to cross the Jordan River.

Moses challenges them to help conquer the Promised Land first

Moses directly addresses the sons of Gad and Reuben concerning their request for the land of Gilead. He compares their request to a previous incident, when the Israelites were at Kadesh Barnea and the lack of confidence by some caused a widespread loss of heart among the tribes, negatively impacting their willingness to enter and fight for the Promised Land.

Moses fears that if the sons of Reuben and Gad settle the lands east of the Jordan without first helping to secure the rest of the Promised Land, it would discourage the other tribes from fighting.

Tribes agree to fig ...

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Bible study in Numbers and Deuteronomy continues

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The tribes of Reuben and Gad's request to settle east of the Jordan River raised concerns because it seemed like they were prioritizing their own needs over helping secure the Promised Land. Moses wanted all tribes to contribute to the conquest before settling to maintain unity and commitment among the Israelites in fulfilling God's promise. The tribes' agreement to fight alongside the other tribes before receiving their allotted land demonstrated their commitment to the collective effort of conquering the Promised Land. Moses' condition that they must participate in battle ensured that all tribes shared in the responsibility and rewards of securing the land.
  • Moses' comparison to the incident at Kadesh Barnea highlights a past event where the Israelites' lack of faith led to consequences. At Kadesh Barnea, the Israelites doubted God's promise of the Promised Land, resulting in a delay in entering it. By referencing this event, Moses emphasizes the importance of faith and commitment in fulfilling God's plans. This comparison serves as a cautionary tale to the tribes of Reuben and Gad, urging them to prioritize unity and faith in their current situation.
  • The consequence of refusing to fight and not going armed into battle was that the tribes of Reuben and Gad would not ...

Counterarguments

  • The request by the tribes of Reuben and Gad could be seen as pragmatic, prioritizing the immediate needs of their livestock over the collective goal of conquering the Promised Land.
  • Moses' challenge may not account for the possibility that the tribes of Reuben and Gad could have provided support in ways other than direct combat, such as supplying food or resources.
  • The fear that Moses has about the other tribes being discouraged might underestimate the resolve and faith of the Israelites in their mission to conquer the Promised Land.
  • The agreement for the tribes to fight before settling could be criticized for potentially putting the needs of the collective above the immediate well-being of individual ...

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Day 77: God Is Faithful (2024)

Joshua appointed as Moses' successor

The transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua marks a critical moment in the history of Israel, as depicted in the biblical narrative. God commissions Joshua to lead His people and gives a powerful reminder of His past faithfulness, while also predicting future infidelity on the part of the Israelites.

Moses writes a "song" to remind Israel of God's past faithfulness and their duty to obey

In preparation for the impending transfer of leadership, Moses records the laws and communicates God's instructions. Moses is commanded to write down the law, present it to the Levitical priests who carry the ark of the covenant, and distribute it to the elders of Israel. This code of conduct is to be read to all the people of Israel every seven years during the Feast of Booths, ensuring that they hear, learn, and maintain a reverence for the Lord while committing to follow the statutes prescribed in the law.

Moses also writes a song and teaches it to the sons of Israel. This song details God's faithfulness and outlines Israel's obligation to obey Him. Known as the Song of Moses, its purpose is to serve as an enduring testament to God's deeds and character, eliminating any potential claims of ignorance by the people concerning their knowledge of God.

God predicts Israel will eventually abandon Him despite blessings

The Lord speaks to Moses, conveying that his time to pass away is near. Upon Moses' death, God forewarns that the people of Israel will turn away from Him and breach the covenant they have made. God articulates that He will consequently hide His face from the Israelites, resulting in numerous trials and suffering for the nation.

God reveals that He is aware of the inclinations of the Israelite people, even before they set foot in the promised land. He pre ...

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Joshua appointed as Moses' successor

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • The Feast of Booths, also known as Sukkot or the Feast of Tabernacles, is a Jewish festival that commemorates the Israelites' journey in the wilderness. During this holiday, temporary shelters called sukkahs are built to symbolize the dwellings used by the Israelites in the desert. It is a time of joy, thanksgiving, and remembrance, emphasizing the themes of harvest and God's protection. The Feast of Booths is one of the three pilgrimage festivals in Judaism, where Jews historically traveled to Jerusalem to celebrate at the Temple.
  • The Song of Moses is a poem found in the Book of Deuteronomy in the Hebrew Bible. It was delivered by Moses before his death and serves as a witness against the Israelites for their future actions. The song highlights God's faithfulness, Israel's unfaithfulness, and the consequences of turning away from God. It is structured with different sections emphasizing various aspects of Israel's history and relationship with God.
  • The covenant between God and the Israelites is a sacred agreement where God promises to protect and bless the Israelites if they obey His commandments. In return, the Israelites are expected to follow God's laws and worship Him alone. This covenant is a central theme in the relationship between God and the Israelites throughout the Old Testament. It establishes a bond of loyalty and responsibility between God and His chosen people.
  • Father Mike Schmitz is a Catholic priest known for his teachings and reflections on various aspects of the Christian faith. In this context, he reflects on the paradox of God's faithfulness despite the foreknowledge of the Israelites' future betrayal. Schmitz highlights the divine mystery of God's enduring love and blessings, even in the face of human infidelity. His insights provide a ...

Counterarguments

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