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Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 41:1-18. The murder of Gedaliah crushes the short-lived peace for the remnant of Judah in the Promised Land. Ishamel proves himself to be brutal and bloodthirsty as he kills the governor while eating with him and then slaughtering religious pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Johanan’s forces are able to rescue the captives of Ishmael and push him into retreat. Under Johanan’s leadership, this now-smaller remnant considers fleeing to Egypt for safety. The brutality of this chapter provides a lens through which we can see the sinful human condition, so that we might repent of our own sin. The Biblical themes of betrayal, captivity, ransom, and redemption found in this chapter all shed light on the ultimate way that God works for the good of sinners through the Savior, Jesus Christ. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of

Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 40:1-16. Jerusalem has fallen, but life in Judah continues for Jeremiah and the other survivors. Though likely unknowingly, the Babylonian captain gives a faithful theological interpretation of what has happened: the LORD has brought His judgment on His people for their rebellion. Nebuzaradan sets Jeremiah free and gives him the choice of going to Babylon or staying in Judah. As a faithful prophet to God’s people, he declines relative comfort in Babylon in order to proclaim God’s Word in Judah, even if it means suffering. He goes to Mizpah, where Gedaliah has been appointed by the Babylonians to govern Judah. As Gedaliah gives instructions to remaining residents of Judah and more of God’s people gather, the future appears hopeful for a moment. However, the beginning of a plot against Gedaliah’s life and the response to it reveal that the people still are more concerned about political machinations

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 39:1-18. The long foretold event finally arrives. In the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. Foreigners invade God’s holy city. Despite Jeremiah’s consistent warnings, Zedekiah tries to flee, only to be captured and receive horrific judgment from Nebuchadnezzar. In the aftermath, Jeremiah’s preaching continues to be proven faithful as those who submit to Babylon live. Jeremiah himself receives clemency from the Babylonians, living in Judah under care of Gedaliah. The LORD does not fail to care for His faithful people, even the foreigner. Through such a dark event, the LORD allows for the light of His Gospel to shine all the greater. “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 Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry and warns

Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 38:1-28. Jeremiah continues to preach that only those who surrender to the Babylonians, earning him the scorn of King Zedekiah’s officials. Concerned only with military morale, they exert their power over Zedekiah to throw Jeremiah into a muddy cistern. It is an Ethiopian who finally speaks up on behalf of Jeremiah, prompting weak-willed Zedekiah to allow Ebed-melech to rescue the prophet. Jeremiah’s suffering and vindication serve as a foreshadow of the ministry of Jesus. Zedekiah secretly seeks Jeremiah’s counsel once again, desperately attempting to discern the times. Yet he fails because he does not heed the difficult but certain Word of God spoken by the prophet. In this way, Jeremiah’s faithful and consistent preaching reminds us that only God’s Word serves as a solid foundation.   “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Je

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 37:1-21. King Zedekiah, like his predecessors, did not listen to the Word of the LORD. Apart from faith, he asked Jeremiah to pray to the LORD, though the wicked king was already banking on the help of Egypt rather than the LORD. Jeremiah spoke the LORD’s Word faithfully as he had in the past. Though Babylon had temporarily left the siege, they would come back and destroy Jerusalem. When Jeremiah tried to use the temporary absence of the Babylonian army to take care of some family business in his hometown, he was falsely accused of desertion and imprisoned in horrible conditions. After some time, King Zedekiah secretly asked Jeremiah for a word from the LORD. Jeremiah responded faithfully yet again and questioned the king concerning his mistreatment. Though Zedekiah still did not trust the LORD’s Word, he did ease Jeremiah’s suffering to a degree. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build”

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 36:1-32. Four years into the reign of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah has been preaching for more than twenty years. The LORD now commands His faithful prophet to write down those words, which are not Jeremiah’s, but the LORD’s. Jeremiah does so by dictating to his faithful scribe, Baruch. Because Jeremiah has been banned from the temple, he sends Baruch to read the scroll at a time when a large crowd is gathered for a fast. One of the king’s servants hears the word of the LORD and, with the help of others, provides for the scroll to be read before King Jehoiakim. Rather than hearing in repentance and faith, as his father Josiah had once done, Jehoiakim burns the scroll one piece at a time and threatens Jeremiah and Baruch with death. The LORD keeps them safe, however, and provides that His Word be written faithfully a second time, in order to preserve it not only during the coming exile, but even to

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 35:1-19. The LORD sends Jeremiah to speak to the Rechabites. In 1 Chronicles 2, the Rechabites are connected with the Kenites, a group of people that historically had good relations with the people of Israel. Jeremiah gathers the Rechabites with important witnesses in one of the chambers of the temple of the LORD. He sets before them wine and invites them to drink. They refuse Jeremiah’s offer out of obedience to a command given by their father Jonadab. Abstinence from wine is a part of the lifestyle he gave to them, which they have not given up even as they sought protection from the Babylonians by living in Jerusalem. The LORD commands Jeremiah to use this as an object lesson to His people. The key is the obedience of the Rechabites. They faithfully listened to their father’s command and obeyed what he had said. This stands in stark contrast with the people of Judah. They repeatedl

Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 34:1-22. The situation is dire in Jerusalem. The Babylonians and the vassal states under their control have surrounded the city. Jeremiah is sent to wicked king Zedekiah to tell him that he will not escape. He will come face to face with Nebuchadnezzar once Jerusalem is captured. Though he will not die in battle, he will die in Babylon. Following this word from Jeremiah, Zedekiah leads the people of Jerusalem in a covenant by which they promise to set free their Hebrew slaves, according to the LORD’s Word in Exodus and Deuteronomy. Any repentance is short-lived, however. When the Babylonian army briefly withdraws to deal with Egypt, the residents of Jerusalem break their promise and enslave their brothers once more. Jeremiah proclaims the LORD’s judgment on His people for yet another broken promise. Their covenant ceremony of passing through pieces of a calf will come to bear on them in death an

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 33:1-26. While Jeremiah is still imprisoned by King Zedekiah, the LORD brings His Word a second time. He reveals to Jeremiah His deeds that are not known to human reason. Despite the people’s attempts to stave off the Babylonians, the LORD will use them as His servants to bring His judgment upon His people. Yet the LORD still promises that He will rebuild His people as they had been at first, calling them back to true faith in Him. He will restore the sounds of joy to His people, ultimately in giving His Son as the bridegroom to His bride, the Church. Jesus will come as the righteous Branch from the line of David, the true and eternal King of God’s people; He will bestow His righteous name upon His people. He serves as the priest and advocate for God’s people before the Father. The covenant that is established in Jesus is eternal. Just as no man can break the LORD’s bringing of the day and th

Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 32:26-44. The LORD answers Jeremiah’s prayer concerning his purchase of the field in Anathoth. The LORD declares that nothing is too hard for Him and reiterates His judgment upon the people of Judah and Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. His people have provoked Him to anger by their idolatry, even as priests literally turned their back on the Most Holy Place to engage in the worship of other gods. For their abominations, the LORD will bring His destruction upon His people. His promise to His people is just as certain. He will bring His people back to dwell in safety and to worship Him alone. The land that He has made into a desolation He will restore once again. These promises find their ultimate fulfillment in the incarnation, death, and resurrection of Jesus. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on

Rev. Rick Jones, chaplain and director of spiritual life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 32:1-25. The destruction of Jerusalem is near. Jeremiah has been put in prison under house arrest by Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. When the king questions Jeremiah’s faithful preaching, the prophet responds by relating the Word from the LORD. The LORD commanded Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel. Though engaging in a real estate transaction when Judah is on the brink of disaster seems outlandish, Jeremiah does exactly as the LORD instructs. By this action, the LORD intends to proclaim to His people that He will restore them again. Jeremiah calls out to the LORD in prayer, naming Him as the Creator of all things and the Redeemer of Israel from slavery in Egypt. Though He had brought His people to the land of milk and honey, His people only disobeyed Him and worshiped other gods. For that reason, Jeremiah knows that the destructio

Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 31:27-40. The LORD promises that days are coming when He will repopulate His people in their land; He will keep the promise He made concerning the Seed in Genesis 3. This act of new creation brings with it a new covenant. The people of God had broken the covenant that He had made with them at Sinai; therefore, He promises a new covenant that will be written not on tablets of stone, but upon their hearts. This new covenant will be based on the forgiveness of sins, fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus and given in His Holy Supper. The LORD points to the workings of His creation that His love for His people will not cease; He will rebuild His people as His Church through the work of His Son, Jesus Christ. “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 Judah and Jerusalem to re

Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Peace Lutheran Church in Finlayson, MN and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bruno, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 31:1-26. Jeremiah continues his Book of Comfort with reminders of what the LORD did for His people in the Exodus; the return from exile would be another act of God’s undeserved everlasting love for His people. This salvation would bring the return of joyful sounds in the land of Israel as the LORD acted on behalf of His dearly loved child. Jerusalem would once again be the place of feasting. Though the exile was a deeply grievous event, the LORD promised return and resurrection for His people. His discipline and words of judgment were an act of love in order to show His mercy. Such a comforting promise, fulfilled in our Lord Jesus Christ, brought Jeremiah hope in his day even as it still continues to bring us hope for eternal life in the Savior. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Je

Rev. Joel Haak, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 30:1-24. The LORD commands His prophet to write down His words, words that now turn to consolation as Jeremiah begins what is often called his “Book of Comfort.” The LORD’s promises of healing and restoration are given not only to Judah, but to all the children of Jacob. Sharp transitions from Law to Gospel are evident throughout the text. The day of distress comes, yet on that day, the LORD will break the yoke that He had once placed upon His people. The promise of a king in the line of David brings great hope, fulfilled ultimately in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though the wound the people have inflicted upon themselves in idolatry is incurable from a human perspective, the LORD promises healing and restoration by His Word. The LORD acts for His people in order that He will be their God and they will be His people. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Shar

Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 29:15-32. Jeremiah continues his letter to the exiles by warning them against the false prophets who are active even there in Babylon. Jeremiah reminds them of the truth that those who remain in Judah and Jerusalem will be visited by sword, famine, and pestilence. False prophets such as Ahab and Zedekiah will be punished not simply as treasonous against Nebuchadnezzar but as rebellious against the LORD. Another false prophet, Shemaiah, wrote a letter back to Jerusalem demanding that the priest there punish Jeremiah. The LORD told that false prophet that he would not see the good that the LORD was going to do for His people. That is why the true preaching of God’s Word remains so important, that He would give to His people the true hope and future that is found in repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. “A Time to Destroy and a Time to Build” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes thr

Rev. AJ Espinosa, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Irvine, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 29:1-14. Jeremiah writes a letter in order to proclaim the Word of God to the exiles in Babylon. The LORD tells His people in Babylon to settle down and make a home there. The exiles are to marry and give in marriage; they are to pray for Babylon and seek its welfare. This does not mean that the exiles are to assimilate into the idolatrous Babylonian culture; rather, they are to remain faithful to the LORD there in Babylon.Despite what false prophets have been proclaiming, the time of exile will be lengthy. Yet the LORD assures His people He knows what He is doing. He has set a definite end to the exile, and He will restore His people according to His plans for their future and their hope. “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 Judah and Jerusalem to repent of their faithless idolatry an

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 28:1-17. Hananiah begins his lying sermon just as Jeremiah is wrapping up his warning against the false prophets. Hananiah promises that the LORD will break the yoke of Babylon and bring the vessels of the temple and the exiles back to Jerusalem--precisely what Jeremiah said wouldn’t happen. Jeremiah responds calmly as a true prophet of the LORD; he prays that the LORD would deliver His people as Hananiah had said. At the same time, he remains true to the LORD’s Word and reminds Hananiah that prophets who prophesy peace are only proved true when it happens. Hananiah doubles down by breaking the yoke Jeremiah is wearing, and Jeremiah simply leaves. He returns and speaks only when he has a Word from the LORD. That Word tells Hananiah that his lies are only making it worse for the people, and for his lies, he will die. The LORD made the Word that Jeremiah proclaimed true, vindicating him as the tr

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 27:1-22. The LORD tells Jeremiah to make a yoke for himself in order to preach His Word to nations. As a yoke places an animal under the control of its master, so the nations who have been attempting to ally against Babylon will be placed under the control of Nebuchadnezzar. Those who attempt to rebel against him will only be destroyed, but those who go in the direction of the way he leads them under his yoke will be allowed to live in their own land. In this way, the LORD reveals His previously hidden will to the nations that they might trust in His Word. The LORD gives Jeremiah a similar word to speak to His own people and their king, Zedekiah. They must not presume to think they will be exempt, nor should they listen to the lies of the false prophets. Such lies will only lead to death. The LORD proclaims the reality that the vessels of the temple will be taken into exile, but He promises restorati

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 26:1-24. Only three months after the reign of the faithful King Josiah, the evil King Jehoiakim ascended the throne of Judah. In that context, Jeremiah was sent by the LORD to preach against Jerusalem in the temple. No matter how unpalatable the LORD’s Word might seem, Jeremiah was not to hold any of it back, in order that the people might repent and the LORD show mercy. Jeremiah preached faithfully, and he was met by the threat of death from the priests and prophets, the very people who should have known better. They brought Jeremiah to trial before the officials of Judah, who listened to the case for Jeremiah’s death and the prophet’s defense. Citing the previous example of King Hezekiah’s treatment of the prophet Micah, Jeremiah’s life was spared, an example of the Word of the LORD doing His work. Yet the tragic case of the

Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Tomball, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 25:15-29. The LORD gives the cup of His wrath to Jeremiah in order that His prophet would make the nations drink it. Jeremiah does as the LORD instructs and lists the nations near and far who will drink the LORD’s wrath. The list begins with the people of God in Judah; they are not exempt from the LORD’s fury. The list ends with the king of Babylon; even as he is the chosen instrument for the LORD’s wrath, he will not escape it. Everyone must drink from the cup of the LORD’s wrath; the holy God must punish sin. His voice roars and is inescapable by both leaders and people. The only respite comes from the LORD Himself, as He sends His Son, Jesus Christ. The Savior is the One who has drained the cup of the LORD’s cup to the dregs in our place. Only those who take refuge in Him by faith are spared the LORD’s wrath and instead are graciously given to drink from the cup of His blessing. “A Time to Dest