The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) · Podcast summary
Day 239: Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on Jeremiah's call for justice and righteousness, and the unwavering faith of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah in the face of Nebuchadnezzar's golden idol.
Listen on the show ↗Key takeaways
- ✨God miraculously delivered the three men from the fiery furnace, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to those who trust in Him.17:20
- 👑Nebuchadnezzar's astonishment and subsequent decree acknowledging the God of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah highlight the impact of their steadfast faith.18:01
- 🧠The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility precedes honor.19:08
- 🤝Covenant faithfulness involves both worshipping God alone and actively caring for the vulnerable, such as the poor, orphans, widows, and strangers.20:40
- 💔Neglecting the needy is as much a betrayal of God's covenant as idolatry.21:06
- 🏷️The changing of names in Babylon from Hebrew names (referring to God) to Babylonian names (referring to false gods) was an attempt to strip the exiles of their identity and allegiance to the true God.23:17
Chapters
- 0:00Introduction
- 1:57Jeremiah 22: Exhortation to Repentance
- 6:39Daniel 3: The Golden Image and the Fiery Furnace
- 15:43The Prayer of Azariah
- 21:37The Song of the Three Young Men
- 28:28Nebuchadnezzar's Astonishment and Conversion
- 30:42Proverbs 15:29-33: Wisdom and Humility
- 31:58Father Mike's Reflection on Jeremiah
- 36:48Father Mike's Reflection on Daniel
- 47:07Prayer
The digest
Father Mike Schmitz begins day 239 of the Bible in a Year podcast, covering Jeremiah 22, Daniel 3, and Proverbs 15:29-33. He highlights the consistent call for justice and righteousness in Jeremiah, particularly regarding the treatment of the poor, orphans, widows, and strangers. He then delves into the powerful story of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego) in Daniel, emphasizing their unwavering faithfulness to God despite immense pressure and the threat of death.
Jeremiah's Exhortation to Repentance
Father Mike starts with Jeremiah 22, where the prophet calls the people of Judah, and specifically the king, to repentance. He notes that Jeremiah knew King Josiah, a reformer, and now addresses Josiah's son, Shallum. The core message is a consistent theme throughout scripture: God's people are called not only to be faithful to Him and avoid idolatry but also to practice justice and righteousness towards the vulnerable. This includes caring for the alien, the fatherless, and the widow. Father Mike stresses that when the people of the covenant fail in either of these aspects—turning away from God or turning away from the needy—it signals impending judgment and hardship.
Keep reading in The Digest
The full 4-minute article, 6 more sections, and every new episode from The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) and the creators you follow.
- The Importance of Covenant Faithfulness
- Daniel and the Golden Image
- The Significance of Names
- Unwavering Faith in the Face of Death
- Deliverance and Nebuchadnezzar's Conversion
- Proverbs: Wisdom and Humility
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Day 270: God's Favor with Ezra (2026)
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Day 264: Preaching Without Practice (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on the hypocrisy of the scribes and Pharisees, the nature of judgment, and the true meaning of meekness as he unpacks Matthew chapters 22-24 and Proverbs chapter 19.
Day 262: Miracle Worker (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on the miracles of Jesus in Matthew's Gospel, emphasizing Jesus' divine power over matter and life, and the call for Christians to actively participate in God's offensive mission against evil.
Day 261: Ornate Souls (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz reflects on Matthew chapters 11-13 and Proverbs 19:5-8, emphasizing the importance of actively filling our spiritual lives and the profound grace of baptism.
Day 260: Carrying the Cross (2026)
Father Mike Schmitz guides listeners through Matthew chapters 8, 9, and 10, and Proverbs chapter 19, emphasizing Jesus's healing ministry as a sign of his divine identity and the call to discipleship, including the challenges of carrying one's cross.