AI Summary
5 min readSpeaking God's Word When It Costs Something
In the middle of a reading from Isaiah 41–42, Ezekiel 2–3, and Proverbs 12, Father Mike Schmitz draws attention to a pattern that runs through both prophets: God calls his servants to speak his word regardless of whether anyone listens, and he equips them with a vision of his glory to sustain them through the cost.
The episode's central question is not about what the text says, but about what it demands of the one who carries it.
The Context That Shapes the Message
Father Mike emphasizes that Isaiah and Ezekiel are speaking from opposite sides of a catastrophe that has not yet happened. Isaiah is pre-exile, still in Jerusalem, speaking to a people who have just been delivered from the Assyrians. The destruction and exile are coming, but they have not yet arrived. Ezekiel, by contrast, is already in Babylon among the exiles. He is a post-exile prophet speaking to people who are already living the disaster Isaiah warned about.
This matters because the same God who says "fear not" through Isaiah is the God who sends Ezekiel into a rebellious house that will not listen. The consolation is not that suffering will be avoided, but that God will be present through it and will ultimately restore.
The Servant Who Will Not Break the Bruised Reed
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:53) **Episode Opening & Reading Plan** - Fr. Mike introduces Day 210, lists the readings (Isaiah 41-42, Ezekiel 2-3, Proverbs 12:1-4), and sets the context for the "Book of Consolation" in Isaiah and Ezekiel's vision.
- 2 (02:50) **Isaiah 41: Israel Assured of God's Help** - The reading begins with God challenging the nations and declaring His sovereignty over history, then directly comforting Israel with "Fear not, for I am with you."
- 3 (07:05) **Isaiah 42: The Servant of the Lord** - This chapter introduces the first "Servant Song," a prophecy of the Messiah who will bring justice with gentleness, and then describes God's determination to act.
- 4 (10:51) **Ezekiel 2: The Call of Ezekiel** - God commissions Ezekiel as a prophet to the rebellious house of Israel, commanding him not to be afraid and to speak God's words regardless of the response.
- 5 (13:50) **Ezekiel 3: Ezekiel as a Watchman** - God appoints Ezekiel as a watchman for Israel, making him personally responsible for warning the wicked and the righteous, and then Ezekiel is bound and silenced.
- 6 (16:26) **Proverbs 12:1-4** - A short reading on the value of discipline, the root of the righteous, and the character of a good wife.
- 7 (16:55) **Closing Prayer** - Fr. Mike prays for the Holy Spirit to transform listeners into icons of Jesus Christ, acknowledging that we cannot love as Christ loves on our own.
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Guests on this episode
Show Notes
Fr. Mike compares the messages of Isaiah and Ezekiel, one coming from a pre-exile time and the other from a post-exile time. Even though they are coming from two very different points in salvation history, they both are persistent in speaking the Word of God, and sharing his consolation with the people of Israel. Today's readings are Isaiah 41-42, Ezekiel 2-3, and Proverbs 12:1-4.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.
Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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