Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

The grumbling in Israel spreads all the way to the leadership as Miriam and Aaron complain that their little brother isn't the only one through whom the LORD speaks. The LORD comes quickly to remind these two that Moses is, in fact, the LORD's chosen prophet among them. With faithful Moses, the LORD speaks not simply in visions but mouth-to-mouth. When Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses, therefore, they speak not only against their brother, but against the LORD. For this grumbling, Miriam is made unclean by a skin disease. Moses shows his meekness by interceding even for his jealous sister; in this, Moses' ministry foreshadows the work of Christ. After seven days, Miriam is cleansed according to the LORD's Word, and Israel's journey toward the Promised Land continues.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 12:1-16.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD deli

Even though the people of Israel dwell with the LORD in their midst, they quickly fall into their familiar grumbling on their way to the Promised Land. They long for the food of Egypt, despite the versatility of manna. Moses responds to the people's grumbling by bringing the matter before the LORD and asking for help in leading the people. The LORD responds to Moses' request for help by placing His Spirit upon seventy elders of Israel so that they prophesy for a time. The LORD responds to His people's grumbling for meat by overloading them with quail, so that what Israel should have received as a gift comes instead as a judgment. Even still, the LORD continued to lead His people toward the Promised Land.  Rev. Tyler Hauptmeier, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Doniphan, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 11:1-35.  "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

Just over a year after the Exodus from Egypt, the people of Israel leave Mount Sinai. They move into the wilderness of Paran, traveling according to the order the LORD had given them before leaving the mountain. The LORD leads them by His presence in the cloud, and the Levites carry His moveable dwelling in the midst of Israel. Moses employs his brother-in-law Hobab as a guide in the wilderness. Through these means, the LORD leads His people on a three-day journey from Sinai. The liturgical responses that accompanied the LORD's leading became important for the people of Israel in their worship life recorded in the Psalter.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 10:11-36.  "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

The LORD provides final travel instructions for His people before they set out from Mount Sinai. The cloud of the LORD's presence is the visible sign that Israel follows the LORD. However long the cloud remains in a place, the people remain. When the cloud moves, the people move behind the LORD. Two silver trumpets give an audible signal for the LORD's people to move. Different blasts convey different instructions, but the purpose is the same. The people follow the LORD as He leads them. In this way, the trumpets provide a joyful sound, both for God and for His people.  Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 9:15-10:10.  "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

Before the people of Israel leave Mount Sinai, the time arrives for them to celebrate the Passover. They do so according to the LORD's instructions, a fitting way to prepare for their journey toward the Promised Land. When some men become unclean through contact with a dead body, Moses and Aaron seek the LORD's counsel as to whether these men can celebrate the Passover. The LORD's instructions allow for those unclean or on a journey still to celebrate the Passover a month later and so remain incorporated into His people.  Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 9:1-14.  "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 streng

The LORD keeps His people's focus on the tabernacle by reminding them of the lampstand in the holy place, which shone constantly in His presence. He next gives instructions for cleansing of the Levites in order that they may be set apart for service before Him in His dwelling place. Moses, Aaron, and the people of Israel carried out these instructions of the LORD faithfully so that the Levites would begin their service. Such service began when the Levites turned twenty-five and continued until they reached the age of fifty.   Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 8:1-26.  "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

The second-longest chapter of the Bible takes us back chronologically to focus our attention on the LORD's tabernacle, where He dwelled among His people. When the tabernacle was set up, the chiefs of the tribes of Israel brought an offering to assist the Levites in their service of carrying the tabernacle from place to place. When Moses recounts the offerings brought by each tribe on successive days in order to ensure the tabernacle could carry out its function, he does so repetitively. This teaches the reality that the tabernacle would be able to function according to the LORD's purposes for the sake of bringing atonement to all of His people.   Rev. Dr. Ryan Teitz, associate professor of exegetical theology and dean of students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 7:1-89.  "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

God gave His people the Nazirite vow as an opportunity for an individual Israelite to set himself apart for a particular task for the LORD for a limited period of time. Open to both men and women, the Nazirite was to remain separate from three particular things. First, Nazirites were not to partake of alcoholic drinks or anything made from grapes. Second, Nazirites were not to go near dead bodies. Third, Nazirites were not to cut their hair during the time of their vow. The completion of the Nazirite vow was a time of great joy. The LORD’s joy was not limited to such special occasions, however. The LORD gave joy to all His people every time the priests blessed them and placed His name upon them.  Rev. Lucas Witt, assistant director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 13:1-30.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in

The LORD desires that His people approach His holiness according to His will and Word. Those who are unclean through a skin disease or contact with the dead must be put outside the camp until they are made clean again. Someone who comes to realize a sin after the fact must not ignore it. Instead, he must make restitution to the one he wronged or to the LORD. In the case where the sin of adultery is unknown, the LORD provides a test whereby the matter is made evident. In this way, He provides for the innocent woman to be vindicated, and He also ensures that sin will not run rampant among His people. In the ways that the LORD provides for His people to live with His holiness in their midst by providing for cleansing, atonement, and restitution, He preaches Christ to them.  Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 5:1-31.  "Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes throu

As the LORD assigns duties to the Levites, He now has Moses number only those who are physically able to complete their service in the tabernacle, that is, those between thirty and fifty years of age. The sons of Kohath will care for the holy items within the tabernacle. The priests must make special preparations for the Kohathites so that they do not perish from touching the holy things. The sons of Gershon and Merari will care for the coverings of the tabernacle and the structural pieces of the tabernacle. Although the threat of death attached to these objects is gone, the service is just as important as the entire body of Christ works together for the sake of the whole Church.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 4:1-51.  "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

The LORD purposely told Moses not to count the Levites as a part of the Israelite army, because the Levites have a different role among the people of Israel. Aaron and his sons are to serve as priests in the LORD’s house, and the Levites are to assist the sons of Aaron. The Levites also serve the people by guarding the tabernacle, lest the people go before the LORD in His holiness unprepared. The Levites also serve a vicarious role within the people of Israel. Instead of claiming every firstborn Israelite, the LORD claims the Levites in their place. For this reason, the LORD numbers all Levites one month old and upward in this chapter.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 3:1-51.  "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 faith

The LORD orders His people both in the way they camp and in the way they march. As the tribe through which the line of the promised Christ will come, the tribe of Judah occupies the first place. At the same time, the tabernacle occupies the central place, for the LORD’s presence among His people is primary. Although the people surround the tabernacle in their camp, the LORD’s presence there provides protection for the people. Although the people march both before and after the Levites who carry the tabernacle, the LORD still is the One to lead His people.  Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 2:1-34.  "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 Israel

The fourth book of Moses begins at the base of Mount Sinai in the second year after the LORD delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. There, the LORD continues to speak to Moses so that His people will listen to His Word. He names and numbers His army one tribe at a time in preparation for their conquest of the Promised Land. As the book of Numbers progresses, this first generation of Israelites will fall into idolatry and impatience and so fail to receive the Promised Land. However, the LORD will raise up a new generation who will receive His faithfulness with thanksgiving. From this history, the LORD teaches us how to hear and believe His Word today in this time between the salvation that is ours now by faith in Christ and the resurrection that will be ours on the Last Day when Christ returns.  Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing serves at Concordia University in St. Paul, MN as the Edwin F. and Esther L. Laatsch Chair of Old Testament Studies, the Director of the Center for Biblical Studies, and the Director of th

"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 stay faithful to Him as He guides us toward resurrection life.  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

In the final stanza of Psalm 119, we place before God’s face our desperate need so that He will give us understanding and deliverance according to His promise. In response, our mouths open to sing and chant back to God what He has first said to us. We long for His salvation, knowing that apart from Jesus, we are sheep doomed to destruction. We pray in confidence that He is our Good Shepherd who seeks and saves us.  Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders, president of the Iowa District East of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:169-176.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

In the twenty-first stanza of Psalm 119, God’s Word is our joy greater than any other treasure. The riches of God’s Word are so great that we sing His praises always and regularly. Although the enemies of God may attack us, His Word makes us stand firm and shapes our ways according to His.  Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:161-168.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

In the twentieth stanza of Psalm 119, we pray that God would see us in our affliction to deliver us. He must be the one to stand up for our case and justify us by His promise. Although our adversaries are many, we need not waver from God’s Word, because His mercies far outnumber those who would harm us. This is our confidence, because God’s Word is true.  Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church—Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:153-160.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

In the nineteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we call out to God with our entire being, asking for His salvation. Because we know that the morning will bring His salvation, we vigilantly wait for Him to keep His promise. Although our enemies draw near, God is nearer still in His promise, now and forever.  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 Psalm 119:145-152.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

In the eighteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we praise God as the Righteous One who gives us His righteousness through His Word. He is faithful to His Word; He has never failed to keep His promises. Even though we are small, despised, troubled, and anguished, He gives us delight through His eternal righteousness.  Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:137-144.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

In the seventeenth stanza of Psalm 119, we marvel at the wonder of God’s Word that gives light and understanding. As we long for His commandments, God turns His face toward us with grace and keeps our steps steady by His promise. Even as we mourn at those who do not keep God’s Law, we rejoice in His redemption from man’s oppression.  Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:129-136.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.