The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) Day 77: God Is Faithful (2026)
48 snips
Mar 18, 2026 A look at Reuben and Gad’s request for land and their promise to fight for their people. Moses names Joshua as successor and stresses strength and courage. The law’s public reading and Moses’ command to write a warning song are highlighted. Reflections on God’s foreknowledge and steadfast faithfulness close with a call to communal responsibility and repentance.
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Individual Choices Shape Communal Courage
- Moses warns that one person's refusal to fight discourages the whole community from taking the Promised Land.
- Fr. Mike connects this to spiritual life: individual unwillingness to battle sin weakens others' courage to pursue holiness.
Make Specific Commitments For Communal Battles
- Do commit to mutual responsibility: Reuben and Gad agree to leave families and cattle but send all fighting-age men across the Jordan.
- The pact required concrete actions (fortified cities stay, armed men must fight until the land is subdued).
Courage Rooted In God's Presence
- God commissions Joshua and repeatedly tells him to be strong and courageous because the Lord goes before them.
- Fr. Mike emphasizes the courage is rooted in God's presence, not human ability or success.