Day 107: Samuel's Speech (2026)
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On Day 107 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz explores 1 Samuel chapters 11 and 12, focusing on Saul’s rise as a military leader after defeating the Ammonites and Samuel’s powerful farewell address. In chapter 11, Saul rallies Israel with divine inspiration, cutting oxen and sending a dramatic call to arms, leading to a miraculous victory that unites the people. Despite opposition, Saul shows restraint by refusing to execute those who doubted him, demonstrating wisdom and mercy. Chapter 12 delivers a profound theological reflection: Samuel reminds Israel that God never intended for them to have a king, but allowed it due to their hardened hearts. Yet even in their disobedience, God remains present, offering grace, mercy, and the possibility of faithful renewal. Fr. Mike emphasizes that no one is disqualified from God’s presence—regardless of past failures—because God’s mercy is infinite and His Spirit still works even in broken situations. The episode closes with a call to conversion, repentance, and mutual prayer, grounded in the promise that God forgives and calls us forward.
God allows human choices that go against His will, not because He desires them, but due to our hardened hearts.
Even in our brokenness and disobedience, God remains present and active, offering grace and the Holy Spirit.
True leadership includes restraint, mercy, and unity—even toward those who opposed you.
Forgiveness is not the end of the journey; it’s the beginning of a call to 'sin no more' and walk in faithfulness.
We are never disqualified from God’s love or His anointing, no matter our past choices.
Introduction and Reading Overview
Fr. Mike introduces the episode, outlines the day's readings from 1 Samuel 11–12 and Psalm 55, and invites listeners to subscribe, rate, and download the Bible in a Year plan from Ascension.
Saul’s Victory Over the Ammonites
“He took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them throughout all the territory of Israel by the hand of messengers saying, whoever does not come out after Saul and Samuel, so shall it be done to his oxen.”
Samuel’s Farewell and the Theology of Hardened Hearts
“Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses said you could do this.”
God’s Mercy in the Midst of Disobedience
“You made a choice. You made maybe even a permanent choice where here you are now in a state in life that you can't get out of. Okay, but this is not my wealth. It's not what I wanted, but I can still work with this.”
Call to Faithfulness and Mutual Prayer
Fr. Mike concludes with a powerful call to conversion, urging listeners to move forward in faith, embrace God’s forgiveness, and pray for one another. He reaffirms that God’s grace enables us to 'sin no more' and walk in holiness.
“No one is disqualified from God’s presence—regardless of past failures—because God’s mercy is infinite and His Spirit still works even in broken situations.”
“Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses said you could do this.”
“We are never disqualified from God’s love or His anointing, no matter our past choices.”
Host
Fr. Mike Schmitz
person
Samuel
person
Saul
person
Nahash the Ammonite
person
Jabesh Gilead
place
Psalm 55
other
Moses
person
Ascension
organization
Judges
other
Aaron
person
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