Day 236: Rich in Love (2026)

Father Mike Schmitz begins day 236 of the Bible in a Year podcast by congratulating listeners on their progress. He then outlines the day's readings: Jeremiah chapters 16 and 17, Ezekiel chapters 45 and 46, and Proverbs 15:17-20. He reminds listeners that the podcast is brought to them by Ascension and that they can download a Bible in a Year reading plan or subscribe to the podcast via AscensionPress.com/bibleinayear.

Jeremiah 16: God's Command to Jeremiah and the Coming Restoration

Father Mike delves into Jeremiah chapter 16, where God commands Jeremiah not to marry or have children. This unusual command is a prophetic sign of the impending destruction and suffering that will befall Judah. God explains that the people will die of deadly diseases, will not be lamented or buried, and their bodies will become food for birds and beasts. This severe judgment is a consequence of their fathers forsaking God, worshipping other gods, and not keeping His law. Furthermore, the current generation has done even worse, stubbornly following their own evil will.

However, amidst this pronouncement of judgment, God also offers a promise of restoration. He declares that a time is coming when people will no longer swear by the Lord who brought the Israelites out of Egypt, but by the Lord who brought them out of the north country and all the countries where He had driven them. This signifies a future, even greater deliverance than the Exodus, referring to their return from Babylonian exile. Father Mike highlights the profound nature of this promise, emphasizing that God will perform a new, remarkable act of redemption that will overshadow even the foundational story of the Exodus.