Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

In the midst of His Word to other nations, the LORD has not forgotten His own people. In this chapter, Isaiah addresses the people of Jerusalem by speaking to "the valley of vision." Such a title is ironic because the people of Jerusalem do not have the eyes to see the LORD and His work. The judgment that the LORD will bring upon Jerusalem is enacted during Isaiah's day when the LORD removes Shebna as household steward for the king and installs instead Eliakim. The giving of the key of the house of David to Eliakim foreshadows the work of Jesus, who has opened heaven to all who believe.  Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr., pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Britton, SD and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ferry, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 22:1-25.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of m

The Word of the LORD comes to Babylon again. The city is addressed as "the wilderness of the sea," a reference to the Euphrates River that was so key to Babylonian success and a reminder that Babylon in Holy Scripture also often refers to all the enemies of God and His people. The LORD sets His watchman to look for the deliverance of His people over His enemies and to cry out the news that Babylon has fallen. St. John records this same language in Revelation to describe God's final defeat of all His enemies, encouraging us to receive that victory through faith in Jesus right now.  Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 21:1-17.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in

Isaiah speaks the burden concerning Egypt because the LORD desires His people to know that looking to Egypt for help is futile. Egypt's idolatry is useless. Egypt depends on the Nile River, and yet, the Nile is under the LORD's command. Egypt's wisdom is foolish. To show the reality of the judgment coming upon Egypt, God commands Isaiah to preach naked and barefoot for three years. In all these ways, God shows His people not to trust in Egypt. Not only will Egypt be judged like all the nations, but ultimately the one true God will call even Egyptians to worship Him alone. Therefore, Israel should trust in the LORD for help.  Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 19:1-20:6.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brou

Isaiah speaks the burden concerning Damascus, the capital of Syria. Although Syria had allied itself with Ephraim, the glory of these two nations will be brought low together. Such judgment points to the reality that idols are worthless; only the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, is the Rock in whom there is help. As the LORD spoke, so Assyria came and destroyed both Damascus and Samaria. Yet Isaiah also looks forward to the day when the LORD sends swift messengers throughout the world so that tribute is brought from all nations to His holy mountain.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 17:1-18:7.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. J

As the prophet Isaiah speaks the burden concerning Moab, the prophet weeps and laments their coming judgment. This is likely due to the family connection to Moab, particularly in the lineage of King David. In the midst of the LORD's judgment, the only place for refuge is found in the throne that the LORD will establish in His faithfulness in the house of David. The pride of Moab, however, refuses to take refuge there, and so the LORD promises that within three years, the glory of Moab will be brought to nothing.  Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for the Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod and chaplain at the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 15:1-16:14.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD wi

The LORD's judgment of Babylon's pride means salvation for God's people. No longer will they be slaves, but they will rule with the LORD. For that reason, Isaiah invites the people of God to join in the song of victory over Babylon. The power that thought itself more mighty than the LORD has been slain, never to rise again, for the LORD has spoken. This is true for Assyria in Isaiah's day; it is true for every power that sets itself against the LORD and His people. Any nation, such as Philistia, that thinks this is the opportunity to break free, is only fooling itself. The only refuge to be found is in the LORD, who dwells among His people in Zion.  Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 14:1-32.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust

With chapter 13, Isaiah's book begins a section of ten burdens, or oracles, against various nations. The fact that the majority of these oracles are directed toward nations other than Israel reminds us that the LORD is the God over all the earth. The first burden is given to Babylon. Although it was not a mighty empire in Isaiah's day, it was a significant city and would later become a great world power. Babylon is used elsewhere in Scripture as a way of referring to all powers that would stand against the LORD in pride. The LORD promises that on His day, He will bring such pride low.  Rev. Lucas Witt, executive director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 13:1-22.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be b

As the people of God once praised God for His deliverance from slavery in Egypt, so the people of God again praise Him for the greater exodus He gives through the promised Messiah. Both individually and together as the whole Church, Christians sing in thanksgiving that God has turned His anger to comfort for the sake of Jesus. He is our salvation, our strength, and our song. In Jesus, we drink the living water of God’s Word and confess His salvation with joy to all the nations.  Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 12:1-6.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God f

Although the house of David has been unfaithful, the LORD will keep His promise to send the Savior. Though Jesse’s line is only a stump, the LORD will bring forth His Christ as a shoot from that root. As the One who bears the Spirit, the Christ will come in the true fear of the LORD to bring justice and righteousness for all people. The Christ is the One to bring true peace to all of God’s creation, as His cross becomes the signal for the nations to return to the LORD. He will bring His remnant home to Him as a part of His greater exodus, which Jesus has accomplished in His death and resurrection.  Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Church, both in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 11:1-16.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of ma

The LORD proclaims that mighty Assyria is the rod of anger in His hands. However, while the LORD does His work of bringing wrath against His own people through Assyria, Assyria becomes proud, as if they are the rulers of the world. The LORD laughs at Assyria’s haughtiness and promises that they too will be brought low for their wicked idolatry. Even with the destruction the LORD brings against His people through Assyria, He promises that He will preserve a remnant of Israel. Therefore, Israel need not fear Assyria, for the LORD will chop them down.  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 Isaiah 10:5-34.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in th

Once again, Isaiah preaches against the arrogance of His own people. They think that they can build back better after His judgment, but His anger is not turned away. They did not turn back to the LORD after He struck them, and so His anger is not turned away. In wickedness, the people of God fight against themselves, and so His anger is not turned away. Finally, the LORD declares woe on His iniquitous people and asks them a poignant question: “What will you do on the day of punishment? To whom will you flee for help?” Though the people fail to see it in their unbelief, the only right answer is, “The LORD. He alone is the saving refuge.”  Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 9:8-10:4.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man

The darkness of idolatry will not defeat the LORD’s light. He promises to shine His light upon His people, even in the most war-torn areas of the land. There, the LORD will increase their joy, give them the spoils of war, and break their oppressor’s rod. As He alone won the victory over Midian in the book of Judges, so the LORD will once again be victorious for the sake of His people. He will win this victory through the birth of His own Son in human flesh. Jesus is the One who bears exalted names and reigns on the throne of David forever to shine His light upon His people.  Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church—Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 9:1-7.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who tru

The LORD strengthens Isaiah for the task at hand. The prophet must not be filled with the false fear of the people, but Isaiah should instead fear the LORD and honor Him as the Holy One. He will be a sanctuary for Isaiah even as He is a rock of stumbling for those who do not believe. Strengthened by the LORD’s Word, Isaiah commands that His teaching be sealed up as the faithful wait for the LORD to act. Inquiring of the dead will bring no light, but only distress and darkness. Only in the LORD will the light of the promised Savior be seen.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 8:11-22.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is G

Although Ahaz rejected the sign of Immanuel, the effects of the LORD’s promise would still be felt by Ahaz in his own day. Isaiah spells out how that rejected promise will bring judgment upon the LORD’s faithless people, even as the LORD promises that a remnant will remain. Through a Word from the LORD, Isaiah has a son whose name proclaims that the LORD will make good on His Word. Yet the reality that Isaiah has rejected the Gospel promise, opting for something that seemed more practical to him, means that Assyria will come in judgment against Judah and Jerusalem. Even still, the LORD’S Word will stand forever over all nations, because He is with us.  Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 7:18-8:10.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in t

During the reign of King Ahaz, the nations of Ephraim and Syria allied against Judah. As the king and all the people shook in fear, the LORD sent Isaiah to give His promise. The LORD would rescue His people from their enemies. King Ahaz did not need any foreign alliances for help. Instead, the king could simply wait quietly on the LORD. When Isaiah returned to Ahaz a second time, Ahaz chose faithlessness. Even though Ahaz refused the sign that the LORD freely offered, the LORD promised a sign nonetheless. The virgin birth of Immanuel proved to be judgment for Ahaz and all who were faithless in his day, both as Assyria brought great suffering to them and as they rejected the promised Messiah. Yet to all who believe, the birth of Jesus as the Savior who is God with us is the greatest promise.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 7:1-17.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophe

Isaiah recounts his call into the prophetic office. In the same year that King Uzziah died, Isaiah saw the LORD as the true King in the LORD’s heavenly temple. There, the six-winged seraphim sang the LORD’s praises, for His glory fills the whole earth. As the temple shook, Isaiah realized that his sin would mean death for him in seeing the holy God. Yet the LORD provided atonement for Isaiah’s sin by sending one of the angels with a burning coal from the altar. In this forgiveness, Isaiah was sent by the LORD to proclaim the LORD’s judgment against an unhearing and unseeing people. Yet even as destruction would come, the LORD promised that His holy Seed would remain.  Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 6:1-30.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those wh

Isaiah 5 begins with the prophet’s song concerning the vineyard of his Beloved. Although the LORD did absolutely everything for His people, they did not produce the good fruit of justice and righteousness. Instead, they produced the bad fruit of bloodshed and outcry. For that reason, the LORD tells Israel and Judah that judgment is coming, as the prophet speaks woe to them for their greed, drunkenness, and pride. They have perverted the LORD’s Word, and so He promises that He will bring the Assyrian army against them in judgment. The LORD’s people today must hear the call to repentance and turn to Him for mercy.  Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 5:1-30.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but tho

Isaiah returns to the hope that the LORD has for His people who trust in Him alone. Isaiah proclaims Christ as the glorious Branch of the LORD who makes His people prosperous through faith in Him. He cleanses His people from their sin and guilt to make them holy and to write their names in His Book of Life. He will lead them on a new exodus and be present with them to be their refuge and shelter forever. These gifts are ours in the Church right now, even as we wait for their complete fulfillment when Jesus returns on the Last Day.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 4:2-6.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. J

The LORD shows His people what their idolatrous trust in the strength of man will bring. The LORD will take away all capable leadership from His people, leading to chaos. Anyone and everyone will be offered the task, but no one will want to rule over the heap of rubble. This will happen because the people have become proud and shameless in their sin of idolatry. As the leadership will be taken away from Judah, so will all the luxuries of life, for the LORD will bring destruction and exile. Yet all hope is not lost; the LORD promises that He will not forget His righteous remnant, even as He has not forgotten us through His Son, Jesus.  Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 3:1-4:1.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be broug

After giving a glorious vision of the hope that the LORD has for those who hear His Word and stream to Him in faith, the prophet Isaiah proclaims the stark reality that the house of Jacob has done the exact opposite. Judah has indulged in the wealth and power of the surrounding nations and has put her trust in their idols, rather than in the LORD alone. In response, the LORD of hosts will come and bring low all that is proud and haughty so that He alone is exalted. There will be no refuge to be found from the terror of His presence, for mortal man is of no account. Through such preaching of the Law, the LORD aims to bring His people to repentance for their false trust so that they would turn to Him in true faith.  Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 2:6-22.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy O