Day 91: Gideon's Story (2026)

On Day 91 of 'The Bible in a Year' podcast, Fr. Mike Schmitz leads listeners through Judges chapters 6–8 and Ruth chapter 3, focusing on the story of Gideon, a reluctant hero chosen by God to deliver Israel from Midianite oppression. Gideon’s journey begins with fear and doubt, but he is empowered by divine signs—including a miraculous fire from a rock and a test with a fleece—before leading a tiny army of 300 to victory through faith and divine strategy. Despite his triumph, the episode highlights a tragic irony: Gideon, who destroyed idols like Baal and Asherah, later creates a golden ephod that becomes a snare, leading Israel into idolatry after his death. The narrative underscores the danger of spiritual compromise, even among faithful leaders. The episode concludes with a reflection on Ruth’s encounter with Boaz at the threshing floor, introducing the concept of the kinsman redeemer (goel), a role that foreshadows Christ’s redemptive work in the New Testament—buying back humanity from slavery, restoring lineage, and fulfilling covenantal love. Fr. Mike emphasizes that true worship must remain centered on the living God, not human-made symbols or distorted versions of faith.