Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

The LORD commands His people to bring His vengeance upon the idolatry of Midian, by which Midian had led Israel into idolatry. Zealous Phineas, who previously has stopped the idolatrous worship, leads Israel in this battle, serving as a reminder that the LORD is the One who fights and wins for His people. Israel puts to death the five kings of Midian and the false prophet Balaam; eventually, they fulfill the LORD’s command completely after an angry reminder from Moses. When the Israelite commanders count their men after the battle, none of the soldiers are missing. This account highlights the reality that idolatry leads only to death and faith in the LORD leads only to life.  Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 31:1-54.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Altho

Moses gives Israel instructions concerning vows. As the LORD does according to His Word, so the LORD’s people also should do according to their word. The provisions for men and women making vows serve two purposes. First, the LORD’s commands are given priority and govern what His people might vow. Second, the vows of an individual are not to undercut the structure God has given within a family. In these ways, God upholds His order among His people for their good.  Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 30:1-16.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the plains of Moab. This strengthens us to listen to God’s promises today and

The LORD continues to give His people instructions for their life of worship when they get to the Promised Land. This chapter turns their attention to the festivals in the second half of Israel’s religious calendar. The Feast of Trumpets was a harvest celebration that marked the beginning of these holy days. The Day of Atonement was a central observance, as the LORD provided for the sins of His people to be taken away and for His righteousness to cover His people. The Feast of Booths was a grand celebration to conclude the festivals of Israel, as they rejoiced over God’s care for them during their wilderness wanderings. Each of these feasts points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 29:1-40.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He lea

The LORD instructs His people concerning their life of worship when they get into the Promised Land. He gives them daily sacrifices as a foundation for His grace among them. He adds grace to grace by giving further weekly sacrifices every Sabbath day. At the beginning of every month, the LORD gives more grace through additional sacrifices. In this way, the LORD orders His people’s calendar around His gifts. This chapter also describes two festivals at the beginning of Israel’s religious calendar: the Passover and Pentecost.  Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor emeritus active at First Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 28:1-31.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the p

The new generation of Israelites who will enter the Promised Land begins to show itself faithful to the LORD’s Word. The daughters of Zelophehad know what the LORD has promised concerning the land as the family’s inheritance, and so they approach Moses in faith with a question about what will happen in their family, since their father has no sons. Moses takes the question to the LORD, and the LORD responds graciously by providing for a family’s inheritance to be passed down through the daughters. Knowing that Moses is soon to die, the LORD provides Joshua as the next leader for His people. Moses’ prayer that the LORD would give Israel a faithful shepherd is finally answered in the greater Joshua, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 27:1-23.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them

The old generation of those Israelites who refused to go into the Promised Land has now died, and the new generation of those Israelites who were younger than twenty years old stands ready to enter the LORD’s inheritance. Because Aaron has already died, Eleazar assists Moses in taking this second census. Whereas the first census in Numbers focused on the number of Israelites ready for war, this second census focuses on the reality of God’s gift of the Promised Land as His people’s inheritance. Various asides throughout the census highlight both the people’s failures and the LORD’s faithfulness to Israel, thus encouraging this new generation to hold fast to the LORD’s promises.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 26:1-65.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first gene

Although Balaam was unable to get the LORD to curse Israel, the false prophet finds success in getting Israel to curse itself. By engaging in adulterous acts with the idolatrous daughters of Moab, the people Israel join themselves to the idolatrous worship of Baal of Peor. The LORD’s wrath against His rebellious people is swift; He sends a plague against them. Yet Phineas, the son of Eleazar the priest, shares the LORD’s zeal against this idolatry and puts a stop to it. For this intercession, the LORD halts the plague against Israel and gives a covenant of peace to Phineas and his descendants. Phineas’ work for Israel foreshadows the zeal, intercession, and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 25:1-18.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the

The Word of the LORD continues to speak through Balaam for blessing upon Israel rather than curses. Neither the evil intentions of the false prophet or the pagan king will stop God from being present for His own people for their good. Balak grows angrier at Balaam, and yet the LORD continues to speak. He gives His Word to Balaam so that even this false prophet speaks truly concerning the coming of the Christ, the star that comes from Jacob and the scepter that rises out of Israel. Through the coming Christ, the LORD will reign as King now and forever.  Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 24:1-25.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Isr

Balaam instructs Balak to prepare seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams in preparation for a word from God. Although Balak has paid Balaam to curse Israel, the LORD’s first word to Balaam is one of blessing over His people. Balak protests, but he has Balaam move to a different spot with a different view over Israel, hoping that this will allow Balaam to curse Israel. God foils the plots of both men yet again, as His Word of blessing grows even firmer. The LORD has not lied about His blessing for Israel.  Rev. Ben Dose, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, IA and St. John Lutheran Church in Burt, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 23:1-30.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the

For a few chapters, Moses turns our attention toward the camp of Israel’s enemy. King Balak of Moab realizes that physical force will not succeed against Israel, so he attempts spiritual warfare against Israel’s God. Balak offers to pay the false prophet Balaam to curse Israel. Balaam agrees to go, saying that he will only be able to say what has been spoken to him first. When Balaam’s actions displease the LORD, the LORD sends His angel to block the way, but Balaam only recognizes what is happening when the LORD opens the mouth of Balaam’s donkey to speak. By the time Balaam gets to Balak, the stage has been set for both men to witness firsthand that God’s Word will be spoken and accomplished, no matter what human might or wisdom attempts.  Rev. Sean Daenzer, Director of Worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain for the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 22:1-41.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through t

The people of Israel continue their journey toward the Promised Land from one place to the next according to the LORD’s direction. In contrast to previous parts of their trip, in this section, Israel joyfully follows the LORD. They even sing His praises for giving them water instead of grumbling that there isn’t any! As Israel draws closer to the Promised Land, they continue to encounter opposition from other nations. When Sihon and Og, two mighty kings, come against Israel, the LORD grants to His people an easy victory, just as He promised. These two victories were remembered by God’s people as the LORD’s faithfulness to keep His Word, even before the people came into Canaan. Still today, God’s people sing His praises, knowing that He will bring us to the resurrection in Christ on the Last Day.  Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 21:10-35.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of

Israel’s journey toward the Promised Land continues to meet external opposition. When a Canaanite king comes out against Israel, Israel turns to the LORD for His help, and He is faithful to His promise. However, when Israel’s journey turns in a seemingly wrong direction due to Edom’s lack of cooperation, the people are quick to grumble again. In response, the LORD sends fiery serpents as His judgment against Israel. This time, however, Israel turns to the LORD in true repentance and asks for Moses’ intercession. The LORD graciously instructs Moses to make a bronze serpent and set it on a pole, so that those snake-bitten Israelites could look there in faith and live. Jesus says in John 3 that this event preaches His crucifixion. Jesus was lifted up on the cross so that all who look to Him in faith will have eternal life.  Rev. William Terjesen, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Peekskill, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 21:1-9.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sha

The book of Numbers fast-forwards thirty-eight years to the last part of Israel’s wilderness wanderings. They come back to the same place where they had previously refused to enter the Promised Land. Miriam’s death signals that the older generation is almost at its end. When the people grumble once more about the lack of water and think they had it better in Egypt, Moses disobeys the LORD’s command to speak to the rock. Instead, Moses hits it. Although the LORD still gives water, Moses’ rebellion means that even he will not enter the Promised Land. The journey there is forced into a detour by Edom’s refusal of passage. As they set out from Kadesh, Aaron dies at Mount Hor, but the LORD graciously provides for the ongoing gifts of the priesthood through Aaron’s son, Eleazar.  Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 20:1-29.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After th

In this chapter, the LORD first instructs His people in how they will make water for purification, and second, He describes situations for that water’s use. A red heifer without defect is sacrificed and burned along with other specific items in order to make ashes for use in the water for purification. Such water is used especially when an Israelite has become unclean due to contact with death. The LORD graciously provides this means to enable His people to draw close to Him and His holiness. The combination of a sacrifice with water points forward to Holy Baptism, and the reality of the cleansing provided by this water reminds us that the word of the LORD is the true power to bring His gifts to us.  Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 19:1-22.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land.

Although Levites were the primary leaders of a recent rebellion against the LORD, He does not reject their ongoing service in His midst. Instead, He confirms that He will continue to use the ministry of both Levites and priests for service in His holy sanctuary. The priesthood given to Aaron and his sons is a gift from the LORD, both to Aaron and to the entire people of Israel. The LORD promises to provide physically for the priests and Levites through the offerings of the rest of Israel. The Levites too will tithe from the tithes given to them, the LORD’s gracious way of reminding the Levites that they are also among His people. Though they have no land as their inheritance, the LORD Himself is their inheritance. This serves to point forward to the eternal inheritance that belongs to all those who are in Christ.  Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 18:1-32.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goe

Only one day after watching the earth swallow up Korah and his company, the rest of Israel still grumbled against Moses and Aaron, thinking that they could approach the LORD apart from His chosen mediators. When the LORD began to send a plague against Israel, Moses interceded for the people by sending Aaron with burning incense to stand between the dead and the living. The LORD graciously stopped the plague against His people due to Aaron’s ministry, and the LORD confirmed Aaron as His chosen high priest by causing the staff of Aaron to sprout with almond blossoms. This served as an ongoing testimony for the people of Israel as Aaron’s staff was placed in the ark of the covenant.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 16:41-17:13.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although

Although not every event in Israel’s wilderness wandering is recorded, the rebellion led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram typifies the rebelliousness of the older generation. Although the descendants of Kohath already hold the honored position of carrying the holy things of the tabernacle, still they desire for themselves the priestly service given to Aaron. Likewise, the descendants of Reuben desire the authority given to Moses.  The LORD deals swiftly with this rebellion by opening the earth to swallow up Korah and his company. The LORD provided a physical reminder of this event in a covering that was made for the altar.   Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 16:1-40.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the

Although the older generation of Israelites has just heard the LORD decree that they will die in the wilderness, this does not mean Israel will not possess the Promised Land. The LORD reminds His people that He will keep His promise by turning to give them instructions that they will need for their life in Canaan. The LORD doesn’t say “if” you get to the land; He says “when” you get to the land. The instructions that the LORD gives deal with sacrifices of celebration and sacrifices for unintentional sins. The LORD warns His people against high-handed sins through direct teaching and the example of one who broke the Sabbath. In all things, even in their garments, the people of Israel are to be set apart for the LORD.  Rev. Andy Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 15:1-41.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them t

The bad report of the ten unfaithful spies leads Israel into utter rebellion against the LORD, as they look for someone to lead them back to Egypt. When Joshua and Caleb remind the people that they do not need to be afraid because the LORD is with them, the people of Israel are ready to stone them along with Moses and Aaron until the LORD intervenes. Moses intercedes before the LORD so that the LORD does not immediately bring an end to Israel right then and there. Still, the LORD tells Israel they can have what they have asked. Those twenty years old and upward counted in the census will die during a forty-year wandering in the wilderness, while their children will enter the Promised Land after that time. A false repentance on the part of Israel leads them to disobey yet again by trying to take the Promised Land without the LORD. They are defeated and begin their wandering in the wilderness.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to stu

The LORD brings His people to the wilderness of Paran, the brink of the Promised Land. He commands Moses to send twelve spies into Canaan, one spy from each tribe. Moses sends them into the land and asks them to bring back a report concerning the people of the land, their cities, and their produce. He tells them to be of good courage because he knows that the LORD has promised this land to His people. When the spies return to Moses and the people of Israel after forty days, ten spies note the goodness of the land but express fear at the strength of the cities and the people. Only two spies, Joshua and Caleb, encourage the people of Israel to go to the land of Canaan and take it, according to the LORD’s promise. The ten unfaithful spies, however, continue to give their bad report, leading the people toward terrible rebellion.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 13:1-33.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron tha