Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

After Hezekiah’s faithfulness, his son and grandson reverse course entirely. Manasseh’s fifty-five-year reign is full of all kinds of crass idolatry, both new and old. He also sheds innocent blood throughout Jerusalem, so that the LORD announces that the same judgment will come upon Judah as He has already brought on Israel. After the lengthy wickedness of Manasseh, Amon’s reign lasts only two years and continues in crass idolatry.   Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 21:1-26.  To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit www.gloryofchrist.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through

Two more events round out the account of Hezekiah’s reign in Judah. When Hezekiah becomes sick and learns that he will die, the king does not react to the LORD’s Word with despair but with faithful prayer, calling upon the LORD to remember. The LORD’s answer through Isaiah is immediate, promising life from death for Hezekiah. The LORD graciously gives Hezekiah a sign that His Word is true, which Hezekiah receives in faith rather than unbelief like his father Ahaz. When Babylonian envoys come to Hezekiah, however, he receives them as a potential military ally, as his father Ahaz had once wrongly trusted in Assyria. When Hezekiah hears of the LORD’s coming judgment, he responds with indifference. Hezekiah was a faithful king, to be sure, but even he needed the Savior who would be born from his line, Jesus.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 20:1-21.  To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit www.stpaulpaducah.org.

King Hezekiah reacts to the Assyrian threat with faith in the LORD as Hezekiah goes directly to the LORD in the temple and sends for the prophet Isaiah. The LORD responds with a promise to Hezekiah through the prophet, even as Assyria counters with lies and taunts of its own. When Hezekiah receives a letter from the Assyrian king, Hezekiah lays the letter before the LORD in the temple in prayer, and the LORD again answers through the prophet Isaiah with words that promise deliverance for Judah in Hezekiah’s days and deliverance for all people through the Christ to come. The LORD makes good on His promise by slaying the entire Assyrian army and bringing about the death of the Assyrian king in the temple of his worthless idol.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 19:1-37.  To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit www.salembjmo.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The divisio

The reign of Hezekiah is a breath of fresh air after the wickedness of his father Ahaz. In faithfulness to the LORD alone, Hezekiah works to root out all sorts of idolatry in Judah. Hezekiah reigns over Judah during the destruction of Samaria, and the Assyrian threat comes against Judah next. The tribute Judah pays isn’t enough to keep Assyria away, and Assyrian officials come to threaten Jerusalem. The Rabshakeh’s speech taunts not only Hezekiah and the residents of Jerusalem, but ultimately mocks the one true God. Where Ahaz did not trust the LORD to deliver, Hezekiah will.  Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 18:1-37.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit www.bethany-lcms.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and the

During the reign of Ahaz in Judah, Hoshea comes to the throne of Israel, and he is the last king to reign in the northern kingdom. About the year 722 BC, the Assyrian Empire besieges Samaria and conquers Israel. The Scripture makes plain that this was no matter of historical accident, but rather, the LORD was bringing about His judgment against Israel for their idolatry which had characterized Israel from the days of Jeroboam son of Nebat. Judah too walked in these ways, but their destruction was yet to come. After Assyria conquered Israel, they moved some Israelites to other parts of their empire and moved other conquered people into Israel. The resulting conglomeration of people and religions provides the background for the enmity between Judeans and Samaritans in the New Testament.  Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 17:1-41.  To learn more about Crown of Life, visit www.crownoflifesa.org. "A Kingdo

The reign of King Ahaz in Judah is filled with the same wickedness that has characterized the northern kingdom, even the abominable practice of child sacrifice. When Ahaz is faced with the threat of an alliance against him, he chooses to make himself a son of the king of Assyria rather than trust in the promise made by the LORD through the prophet Isaiah. As part of appeasing the Assyrian king, Ahaz tours the pagan temple in Damascus and instructs the high priest in Jerusalem to remodel the LORD’s temple accordingly. Ahaz keeps the LORD’s altar off to the side, in case of an emergency, but his gesture is hollow. God be praised that the reign of Ahaz’s son Hezekiah is faithful.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 16:1-20.  To learn more about Holy Cross, visit www.holycrosswarda.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history w

Leading up to the significant and wicked reign of King Ahaz of Judah, the kings who reigned in Judah and Israel receive relatively little attention. In Judah, Azariah (also known as Uzziah) and Jotham are both faithful to the LORD, even though neither removes the high places from Judah. In Israel, the dynasty of kings in the line of Jehu comes to an end after four generations, according to the Word of the LORD. From one king to the next, the idolatry of Jeroboam son of Nebat continues. As Assyria becomes the world superpower, the northern kingdom begins to suffer greatly, the beginning of their end, even as the LORD provides for the faithful preaching of Isaiah in Judah during these dark days.  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 2 Kings 15:1-38.  To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran, visit stpeterzion.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2

The history of God’s people continues with the reign of Amaziah in Judah and Jeroboam II in Israel. When Amaziah secures the throne in Judah, he follows the LORD’s Word in dealing with the conspiracy that ended his father’s life. As Amaziah finds some military success during his reign, he foolishly picks a fight with the king of Israel, and the king of Israel takes Amaziah captive and plunders Jerusalem. During these days in Israel, Jeroboam II is given success in expanding the borders of Israel, even as he continues in the idolatry of Jeroboam son of Nebat.   Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor at Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 14:1-29.  To learn more about Epiphany, visit www.epiphanylc.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the

As the descendants of Jehu continue to reign in Israel, they do not turn away from the sin of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. However, Jehoahaz does seek the LORD’s favor, and the LORD responds by graciously sending a savior. Jehoash serves as king in Israel during the days of Elisha’s death. Elisha gives the word of the LORD to Jehoash the king as a father teaches a child, and it is a gracious word from the LORD of victory over Syria. The miracle that is done through Elisha even after the prophet has died foreshadows the miracle of eternal life that comes through the Prophet who has been raised from the dead, our Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 13:1-25.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitymillstadt.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. Th

When he is seven years old, Joash becomes the rightful king of Judah in place of the usurper Athaliah. Joash’s faithfulness to the LORD is evident in the repairs he oversees for the LORD’s temple. Making use of the gifts of God’s people in both money and skill, Joash draws the attention of Judah back to the place where the LORD has placed His name to distribute the forgiveness of sins. Nonetheless, the high places remain during Joash’s reign, and he is forced to give tribute to Syria. Although a conspiracy brings an end to Joash’s reign, his son Amaziah still becomes king in his place.    Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 11:21-12:21.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit www.gracebrenham.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was bet

Athaliah, the daughter of Ahab and queen mother in Judah, attempts to capitalize on the death of her son by killing the rest of the royal family. Her demonic attack is foiled by the LORD, who works through a faithful priest and his wife to rescue one of the sons in the line of David. The priest Jehoiada waits until the rightful heir to the throne is seven years old before he unfolds his plan to anoint Joash king of Judah. Athaliah is brought to a just end when she is executed for her treason, and the enthronement of Joash is met with joy and a rejection of the worship of Baal.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 11:1-20.  To learn more about St. Matthew, visit www.GraceFaithLove.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people an

As Jehu continues to kill the descendants of Ahab, he shows zeal for the task that the LORD has assigned, but his zeal also leads him to act in evil and underhanded ways that go beyond what the LORD has assigned. Jehu shrewdly brings an end to the priests and worshipers of Baal in the northern kingdom, but as he reigns in Israel, he never turns from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Because Jehu does accomplish some positive things in Israel, the LORD grants the family of Jehu to reign for four generations.  Rev. William Terjesen, pastor at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Peekskill, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 10:1-36.  To learn more about Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, visit www.ourredeemerlcms.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebel

Elisha continues to complete the ministry of Elijah by causing Jehu to be anointed as the next king of Israel. Jehu initially shows some humility as he begins to come into power in the land of Israel, and even bears some resemblance to David and other good kings in David’s line. Jehu begins to fulfill the LORD’s Word against the house of Ahab by killing Joram the king of Israel, Ahaziah the king of Judah, and Jezebel the widow of Ahab.  Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 9:1-37.  To learn more about Holy Trinity, visit www.htlcwalnut.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prop

Elisha cared for the Shunammite woman after he raised her son from the dead by warning her to sojourn elsewhere during a famine. When she returned, the king of Israel showed that he was not entirely faithless by returning her family land. Elisha began to fulfill the ministry of Elijah by telling Hazael that he would be king in Syria, and God brought that word to fulfillment. In those days, the line of David intermarried with the line of Ahab, leading to trouble in the kingdom of Judah.  Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 8:1-29.  To learn more about Trinity, visit www.trinitylutheranottumwa.com. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithf

When a Syrian siege of Samaria leads to great suffering among the people of the northern kingdom, the LORD mercifully promises deliverance through the prophet Elisha, even as one of the king’s captains mocks the LORD’s name. Four lepers are the unlikely witnesses of the LORD’s miraculous victory over Syria, and these same lepers share the gospel of salvation with all of Samaria. Although the king is skeptical, his servants convince him to go and see that the LORD’s Word of victory has proved true. In the same way, the LORD’s Word against the scoffing captain proves true, and he enjoys none of the spoils of the LORD’s victory.  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 2 Kings 7:1-20.  "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The

The LORD continues to work through the prophet Elisha in Israel. A sunken ax head is not too small for the LORD’s attention, as the prophet restores this valuable possession to one of the sons of the prophets. When the king of Syria learns that Elisha is behind the foiled attempts to raid Israel, the Syrian king foolishly thinks he can capture the LORD’s prophet. The LORD allows Elisha’s servant to see the angelic army protecting Elisha from the Syrian army. Nonetheless, the LORD shows mercy upon those who intend His prophet harm, and He delivers His people from the Syrian threat for a time.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 6:1-33.  To learn more about St. John's, visit www.stjohnlcmstopeka.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was bet

The LORD cares not only for Israel; He cares for all the nations. That’s why He places His Word in the mouth of a little Israelite slave girl to her master Naaman that healing is available for his leprosy if he goes to the prophet of the true God. The king of Israel knows his own limitations, but Elisha knows the power of God’s Word. Elisha therefore sends Naaman to wash seven times in the Jordan River with the LORD’s promise that Naaman will be healed. Naaman’s servants cut through their master’s anger to point him to the greatness of God’s Word, and by that great Word of God, Naaman receives full cleansing and health. Naaman’s faith in the LORD contrasts with Gehazi’s greed, and the leprosy of Naaman comes upon the unfaithful servant of Elisha. Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 5:1-27. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom

Tragedy strikes the family that has shown hospitality to Elisha when the son dies in his mother’s arms. Although his father is indifferent toward the Christian faith, the mother turns toward Elisha as the only one who can offer any help. The LORD brings about a miracle by restoring the child’s life in answer to Elisha’s prayer. As Elisha’s ministry continues, the LORD continues to concern Himself with the bodily needs of His people. Elisha's miracle of providing more than enough food for one hundred men particularly foreshadows Jesus’ greater miracle of providing abundant food for five thousand men. Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael's Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 4:18-44. To learn more about St. Michael's Lutheran Church, visit stmichaelswinchester.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The bigge

The author of Kings records several chapters of Elisha’s ministry and miracles throughout the land of Israel, all pointing forward to the ministry and miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. In caring for a widow of one of the sons of the prophets, Elisha keeps the LORD’s instructions. He tells her to gather only empty jars so that the LORD can pour out His abundant goodness in overflowing oil. As Elisha travels the land of Israel, he often goes through the town of Shunem, where a wealthy woman provides hospitality to Elisha as a messenger of God. He shows her kindness by praying to the LORD, who gives this previously barren woman the gift of a son. Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 4:1-17. To learn more about Our Savior Lutheran Church and School, visit oursavior-gr.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of histor

Jehoram, king of Israel, receives the backhanded compliment that he was only slightly better than his wicked father and mother. As Jehoram wants to keep receiving tribute from Moab, he allies with Jehoshaphat of Judah. They take the southern route to Moab in order to include Edom in their alliance, but run short of water. During the crisis, Jehoshaphat finally looks for the Word of the LORD from the prophet Elisha. Although Jehoram is unfaithful, Elisha faithfully proclaims God’s Word for the sake of Jehoshaphat. The LORD provides water and brings defeat upon Moab, just as the prophet foretold. Yet the human sacrifice performed by the king of Moab leads to the LORD’s wrath being poured out, and the destruction comes to an end. In the midst of so much sin, Elisha stands as an example of faithfully seeking after the Word of the LORD.  Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 3:1-27.  To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit www.