Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 3:1-18. The third poem in Lamentations begins in a way that invites the question: “Who is the man?” Certainly Jeremiah and any individual resident of Jerusalem could lament in the way this poem begins. Each one recognized the calamity God had brought upon Judah for her idolatry and rebellion. The LORD had brought darkness upon His people and besieged them. The LORD had blocked out their prayers and acted as a wild animal in wait of His prey. The LORD had afflicted His people as a warrior against His enemies, such that the poem despairs of hope in its lowest moment. Yet that moment prepares for the turn back to the LORD because the lamentation remains a prayer. What else can Christians do when all is sorrow and trouble but cry out to the LORD in lamentation? He joins us in our sorrow by the incarnation of the Son of God. Jesus shows Himsel

Rev. Mike Newman, president of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 2:11-22. Jeremiah continues to give voice to the lament of the people over the destruction of Jerusalem. Their spiritual and emotional suffering is accompanied by physical pain; even mothers are not able to provide for their own children. As Jeremiah leads the people in asking the questions on their hearts, the one that rises to the fore is, “Who can heal?” Their false prophets cannot, for they have not spoken God’s Word to bring to repentance and faith. The passersby and enemies have only added insult to injury. The LORD is the only One who can bring healing. It is true that He has brought this just judgment upon them, but it is also true that only He can restore His people. They cry out to Him in that hope, that He will hear them, see them, and bring deliverance. As the prayer of Lamentations becomes our prayer of repentance, mourning, and grief, the LORD through Hi

Rev. Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology and dean of ministerial formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 2:1-10. Jeremiah reflects theologically on the fall of Jerusalem. He does not let God off the hook. The prophet is very clear that the LORD is the One who has brought about the destruction of Jerusalem. The LORD has poured out His anger on His people; He has become like an enemy to His own daughter, Zion. Even His temple, the place where He dwelt among His people, has been laid waste. What can people who recognize they are under the LORD’s wrath do? They can only move from God to God, which is where the book of Lamentations is going. When we recognize God’s wrath upon us, we can only flee to God as the One who has taken His wrath on Himself in the person and work of Jesus Christ. “Mercy for Mourners” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Lamentations. As Jeremiah and the people of Judah mourn over the de

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 1:12-22. Jeremiah continues to lament the destruction of Jerusalem. The city personified calls out to those who pass by that they would see the great sorrow, a cry that points forward to Jesus’ own sorrow on the cross. The LORD is acknowledged as the One who has caused the destruction of Jerusalem. Significantly, the people confess that the LORD is just, and they have rebelled. Yet even in that acknowledgment, the LORD is praised. The people continue to call upon the LORD in the midst of their sorrow, asking Him to be just not only to them but to those who have persecuted them. As the LORD has been the One who kept His promise of judgment against them, so they now call upon Him to be the One who keeps His promise of salvation from their enemies. “Mercy for Mourners” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Lamentations. A

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 1:1-11. The book of Lamentations finds its context in the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem. Traditionally, the prophet Jeremiah has been considered the author of the book, which clearly comes from eyewitness experiences. The book contains five poems, arranged not chronologically but theologically. The third poem is the center, in which the mercy of God is recognized even in the midst of the destruction of Jerusalem and the wrath of God. In the first poem, the loneliness and sadness are overwhelming. This is not only the mourning of the people over their own destruction, but the LORD’s mourning for His beloved people. They have received His wrath and punishment over their sins, yet thankfully, their repentance has begun. “Mercy for Mourners” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Lamentations. As Jeremiah and the people of Judah mourn over the destruction o

“Mercy for Mourners” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Lamentations. As Jeremiah and the people of Judah mourn over the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, they acknowledge God’s just wrath against them, confess their iniquity, and plead for His deliverance. In this way, the book of Lamentations teaches us to pray in repentance and faith so that we would see Christ as the One who has taken the wrath of God on Himself in our place to deliver us by His death and resurrection. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 52:1-34. The book of Jeremiah ends with another account of the fall of Jerusalem as a reminder that the LORD does watch over His Word to perform it. Zedekiah was the final faithless king of Judah who refused to humble Himself before the LORD, leading to his foolish rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. In response, the Babylonian king laid siege to Jerusalem for eighteen months, a horrific ordeal for God’s people. The end came just as Jeremiah had foretold as the LORD’s mouthpiece. Zedekiah was captured and tortured; Jerusalem was burned. The destruction of the temple was particularly terrible: the Babylonians desecrated the holy things of God, and the people of Judah knew a famine of the holy things of God. Nebuchadnezzar’s cruelty over Judah lasted for quite some time, yet the eventual release of Jehoiachin from prison in Babylon was a hopeful reminder that G

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 51:34-64. The people of God lament what Nebuchadnezzar has done in devouring them and pray for the LORD’s vengeance. The LORD promises that destruction will come upon Babylon, a foreshadowing of how the LORD defeats death and the devil by taking all the judgment against us upon Himself. The LORD calls His people out of Babylon, and they sing His praises as they once praised Him for the Exodus. In the same way, the LORD calls His Church out of the world to sing His praises for the resurrection victory of Jesus on Easter. The LORD calls His people to remember Him and their homeland even in their exile, just as He calls us to remember what He has done for us in Jesus Christ as we live in this world awaiting the resurrection. Jeremiah fulfilled his call to be a prophet to the nations by sending the Word to be proclaimed in Babylon. In the same way, the LORD sends His Church to proclaim His

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 51:1-33. The LORD is bringing destruction against Babylon, and their resistance will be futile. By bringing judgment on the enemies of Israel, the LORD shows His people that He has not forsaken them. He therefore calls upon His people to flee from Babylon, as He still calls Christians today to flee from false teaching and the idolatrous ways of the world that lead to destruction. Although Babylon had desecrated His temple, the LORD will have His vengeance upon them. As the LORD of hosts, He commands every army and all of creation for His purposes; idols are nothing. The LORD is the only true God, and He has given Himself to His people as their portion and claimed them for His inheritance. As Christians living in the Babylon of an idolatrous world, our Lord Jesus continues to call us to flee from its wickedness and put our trust in His saving word and work alone. “A Time to Destroy and a Time

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 50:21-46. Although Babylon had been a hammer in the LORD’s hand, Babylon’s rebellion against the LORD has brought about their punishment. The LORD describes their coming destruction in sacrificial language. The people of Judah will rejoice to hear the news of the LORD’s victory over their enemies; He proves Himself to be the true God over the idols of Babylon. His sword will come against everything Babylon has trusted; the Persians will be the instrument to bring God’s wrath to Babylon from the north. Just as the LORD was true to His Word to defeat the enemies of His people and restore His people, so He has shown Himself faithful to defeat our enemy, Satan, and deliver us the devil’s domain by the death and resurrection of Jesus. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremiah. The prophet calls the people of

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 50:1-20. Jeremiah’s oracles against the nations have been building to the climax of these words from God to Babylon. The message of the defeat of Babylon and its idols must be proclaimed far and wide. The LORD’s destruction of these enemies means gathering and restoration for His people. He will not let their enemies go unpunished; all stand accountable before Him. His people must flee from Babylon because the LORD is bringing about its destruction. Their pride has led to their fall as the LORD brings His vengeance upon them. Though Israel had been hunted like a sheep, the LORD will bring His people back to His sheepfold in complete forgiveness. The historical reality of what the LORD did to the nation of Babylon through their defeat by the Persians points to the greater reality of what the LORD has done for His Church in defeating sin, death, and the devil

Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 49:23-39. Jeremiah’s oracles against foreign nations continue to work their way closer and closer to Babylon. Damascus, the capital of Aram, had often been at war with Judah; the LORD promises that His judgment will come against them, even as His love for these sinners is expressed. Kedar and Hazor were nomadic Arabian kingdoms famous for their warriors; the LORD tells them that He will work His plan and purpose of their judgment through Nebuchadnezzar. Elam was a neighbor of Babylon; its capital was at Susa. The LORD makes it clear that He is the One to act against them, yet He promises their restoration, seen particularly in connections to the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2. Even as the LORD speaks judgment against foreign nations, He reminds us that He does so to bring about repentance and faith in His Son Jesus Christ for people of every nation. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is

Rev. Timothy Appel goes “Back to the Forge” to answer a variety of listener email from the series on Jeremiah. What sort of influence did Assyria have on the kingdom of Judah? What should we expect from God when we pray for our enemies and those who have fallen from the faith? How can an insight from the Hebrew sharpen the picture of God’s power Jeremiah 37? Sharpen your faith in Christ by engaging with the Word of God with Pastor Appel in response to listener questions and feedback. Do you have a question, topic, or guest you’d like to hear on Back to the Forge? Send an email to kfuo@kfuo.org and let us know! Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.

Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 49:1-22. The LORD gives Jeremiah a word to speak to Ammon and Edom. Ammon traced its lineage to Lot, Abraham’s nephew; their history in relationship to Judah was often filled with strife. Their worship of the idol Milcom, or Molech, led to the horrific practice of child sacrifice. Their pride led to their fall; their economic success would be brought to ruin. Yet even to the Ammonites, the LORD extended His promise of restoration. Edom traced its lineage to Esau, Jacob’s older twin brother. Though they were known for wisdom, they lacked the true wisdom of the fear of the LORD. Edom too would drink the cup of the LORD’s wrath along with the other nations. Texts that speak of the judgment of other nations are a reminder that we too need to repent and turn only to Jesus Christ for salvation. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book

Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 48:11-47. The oracle against Moab continues on account of his great pride. The worship of the idol, Chemosh, is condemned and punished as calamity comes upon Moab. Yet the LORD does not delight in the death of the sinner; He works for repentance and faith. The entire land of Moab will be laid waste by the Babylonians, and the Moabites will mourn in their pagan ways. The LORD’s Word through His prophet Jeremiah calls the Moabites to recognize that this destruction is not a chance of history, but that it is the LORD’s doing. As the people of Chemosh, Moab has no hope for anything but death or captivity. Yet the LORD would call them to be His people through repentance and faith and promises them restoration through the coming Savior, Jesus, whose family tree includes the Moabitess, Ruth. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Jeremi

Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 47:1-48:10. Jeremiah’s second and third oracles to foreign nations address Israel’s neighbors to their west and east. The Philistines lived along the seacoast and had long been enemies of the LORD’s people. The Moabites lived east of the Dead Sea and also had found themselves in numerous conflicts with Israel throughout the Old Testament. The LORD addresses them both to let them know that the judgment they face comes from Him. The Philistines experience the LORD’s judgment both at the hands of Egypt from the south and at the hands of Babylon from the north. Moab receives disaster for its great pride and idol worship of Chemosh. Recognizing that the LORD is the God over all history and all nations, Christians repent of their sins in the face of disaster and take comfort in the truth that God has not forgotten His people. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Ir

Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Director of Admissions and the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 46:1-28. The book of Jeremiah begins a section of oracles directed to the foreign nations surrounding the land of Israel. Jeremiah faithfully preaches God’s Word according to his call to be a prophet to the nations beginning with the land of Egypt. The historical setting is the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C. Though the Egyptian commanders barked their orders in confidence of victory, the Babylonian army defeated them. This was no historical accident; this was the LORD’s doing. He brought His day of judgment upon the Egyptians as He had once done in the Passover and the Exodus. By bringing the Babylonians to wreak havoc on Egypt, the LORD showed that He, and not Pharaoh, was truly King. Through these actions, the LORD reminded His own people that He had not forgotten them and was working for their ultimate salvation. The LORD also was

Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 44:1-45:5. As Jeremiah preaches to the Judeans living in Egypt, he diagnoses their condition as spiritual amnesia. They have forgotten the LORD’s Word and the judgments He has promised and sent for rebellion. Yet the people respond more defiantly than ever. They refuse to listen to the LORD’s Word, opting instead for what seems the pragmatic options. Idol worship seems to work better for their physical well-being. It makes them happy, so they choose that, reversing the order of the family in the process. Jeremiah responds by challenging the people to follow through with their idolatry and see how the LORD proves His Word true. A brief flashback concerning Baruch is a reminder that the LORD’s Word does come to pass, and He does not forget His faithful people. That the LORD set His face against His people in this text highlights the graciousness of God when He set His face against His Son, J

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 43:1-13. Just as Jeremiah expected, the remnant of Judah rejected the LORD’s command to remain in the Promised Land. In an effort to avoid God’s Word, they accuse Jeremiah of being a liar and Baruch of intending to betray them to the Babylonians. These far-flung accusations reveal just how far sinners will go to reject God’s Word and act as god themselves. Afraid that Jeremiah and Baruch will inform on them to the Babylonians, the remnant of Judah flees to Egypt, yet they cannot escape the LORD or His Word. In Egypt, Jeremiah is given another action prophecy. He buries two stones as a sign that Nebuchadnezzar will come as God’s servant to bring judgment upon the idolatry of Egypt. This text calls the Church to forsake any idols in order to remain a light to the nations and continue steadfastly in her intercessory role on behalf of the world. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-s

Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 42:1-22. Before they flee to Egypt, the remnant of Judah requests prayer and the Word of the LORD from Jeremiah. He promises a faithful answer, and they promise an obedient response. The ten day waiting period is a reminder of Jeremiah’s faithfulness in repeating the true Word of the LORD. The Word he is given to speak in this case is direct. There are two ways. Remain in Judah and live, or flee to Egypt and die. The promise of mercy attached to remaining in Judah is full of grace; the promise of judgment attached to fleeing to Egypt is full of disaster. Yet Jeremiah knows what the people will do. He has seen them reject the LORD’s Word repeatedly and expects that they once again are only approaching him in hypocrisy. The text calls preachers to faithfulness in proclaiming God’s Word even to those who reject it, and it calls hearers to repentance when they are given a Wor