Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

The consequences of David's sins against Bathsheba and Uriah begin quickly, just as the LORD had spoken. David's oldest son Amnon wickedly desires and violates his half-sister. When David takes no action, his third son Absalom waits patiently for the right time to take vengeance and assassinate Amnon. David's inaction continues for three years while Absalom stays away from Israel in exile. As one sin leads to another, the need for a greater Son of David is seen.  Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 13:1-39.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the

The LORD will not let David languish in unrepentant sin. He sends Nathan the prophet to confront him through a parable by which David speaks the judgment against himself. When Nathan makes clear the sin that David has committed and speaks God's punishment for his sin, the Holy Spirit miraculously brings David to confession and repentance. Nathan speaks God's absolution to him, even as the child born to David and Bathsheba dies. This event provides a picture of the sacrifice made by the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ.  Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church--Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 12:1-31.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly t

David’s idleness provides a playground for the devil’s temptations. Although the king should have come to his senses and turned from his sin at any number of times, over and over David chose evil. His laziness led to lust. His lust led to adultery. His adultery led to murder. David’s sin leads others into sin and brings great harm upon them. Uriah’s righteousness stands in ironic contrast to David’s callousness. Rather than repenting at such a sting of conscience, David kills the man who reminds him of his guilt. By the end of the chapter, David seems to have gotten away with it all, even looking outwardly pious. Yet what man cannot see, the LORD does, and He will not leave David to die in such unrepentant sin.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 11:1-27.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LO

When David sends a merciful diplomatic contingent to Ammon, his kindness is met with violence. David seeks to cover the shame of his men while also seeking justice against the Ammonites who have defied him. As Ammon strengthens its position through menacing mercenaries, David sends Joab, whose wisdom and trust in God leads to success. After the Ammonite threat against Israel ends, David ensures that Syria too will no longer trouble the people of God. Even as David continues to succeed militarily, his weaknesses begin to show in this chapter, particularly in his absence from an initial battle.  Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 10:1-19.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even

Even after the death of Saul and Jonathan, David is faithful to the promises he made. He seeks out a member of Saul’s household to whom he might show mercy. Whereas a king ruling in the way of the world would seek to eliminate even the slightest threat to his throne, David seeks out Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan to destroy any shame he still has from his family name or from his physical disability. David invites Mephibosheth to dine at the king’s own table, thereby making the son of Jonathan part of David’s own family. Through David’s mercy shown to Mephibosheth, we see a picture of the mercy that Christ shows to us sinners.  Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 9:1-13.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully

David’s kingdom experiences continued blessings from the LORD of hosts. At each of the four points of the compass, the LORD grants David victory over great and powerful enemies. Through such victories, the LORD shows Himself to be the true God over and against any idols of the nations. As some from the nations ally themselves with David, we see a picture of God gathering His Church from all nations. David’s reign proves a blessing to the foreign nations and to all of Israel through his wise rule and capable help from many advisors.  Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 8:1-18.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD re

David goes before the ark of the LORD to pray in awe and thanksgiving at the LORD’s promise. In humility, David recognizes the LORD’s greatness in continuing to teach His people concerning the coming Christ. The Lord GOD has done this because of His own heart, not only for David, but for all Israel, whom the Lord GOD has claimed as His own people. Therefore, David prays that the LORD would confirm His promise and bless David’s house, just as He has said He will do.   Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 7:18-29.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like Saul and David sit on an earthly throne, the LORD remains King over His people, even as He does now and forever through the Lo

God’s gift of family came to His creation before the fall into sin. Even though our lives in the family experience the hurt of sin, these vocations from God remain good. Husbands are given to love their wives with respect and gentleness, sacrificing themselves for their wives as Christ has done for His Church. Wives are to receive this love from their husbands with submissiveness and joy, as the Church receives the gifts of her Lord. Parents are to raise their children with love that points them to God’s Word, and children are to receive their parents’ teaching with honor and obedience, trusting God to bless them as they do. Humility is commended to the youth, and hope is given to widows. In all relationships, Christians show love to each other and pray for each other.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism.  Learn more about Sharathon 2025 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. Sharper Iro

The Table of Duties is the third section of the Small Catechism that helps us to know our place in life as Christians. Pastors are to live their lives so that they do not become a scandal to the Word of God that they are given to teach to their hearers, and hearers are given to support their pastors financially and gladly hear the Word that their pastor preaches. The civil government must recognize that all authority comes from God and use it to promote what is good and punish what is evil, while citizens should respect and submit to the authority God has vested in civil government, praying for their leaders. Employers and employees are to live and work in relationship toward each other recognizing that God is their ultimate Lord.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study the Table of Duties from the Small Catechism.  Learn more about Sharathon 2025 and give now at kfuo.org/sharathon. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks

David’s desire to build a house for the LORD seems pious enough, as is Nathan’s initial response confirming David’s desire. The LORD interrupts, however, to let David know that His plans are much larger than what David has in mind. The LORD reminds David that the LORD has done everything for David individually and Israel collectively. The LORD has remained mobile along with His people, and that has served both Him and Israel well. The time is not yet for a permanent structure for the LORD, but the LORD has a better promise in mind. The LORD will establish a house for David. This is more than the promise of a dynasty in Israel. This is the promise that the Christ will come from the line of David to be the true temple for the LORD and reign as King forever. Jesus is the fulfillment of this promise.  Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 7:1-17.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes

Now that David’s capital city is secure, he brings the ark of the LORD to Jerusalem with great joy. The initial happy procession halts quickly as the LORD strikes careless Uzzah dead. David’s anger turns to fear, and the ark stays outside of Jerusalem for a time. When David realizes that the LORD’s presence, rightly respected, does mean blessing, David finishes bringing the ark to Jerusalem in the right way, and the king dances mightily in the procession because of what God has done. David’s wife, Michal, wrongly despises David, and she is left barren, meaning that Saul will not have an heir on the throne of Israel. The LORD continues to establish David’s kingdom in this way.  Rev. Bart Day, president and CEO of Lutheran Church Extension Fund in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 6:1-23.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. H

At last all of Israel recognizes David as their king whom God has appointed to be their shepherd. Once more, David is anointed as king, and we learn that his combined reign in Hebron and Jerusalem was a complete forty years. Although the Jebusites mock David’s ability to take their city, the LORD grants David success and gives to him Jerusalem. There, Hiram the king of Tyre builds David a palace for David’s growing family and court. The LORD further gives David success on the battlefield against the Philistines. David continues to inquire of the LORD for military strategy, and the LORD continues to fight for David and defeat His enemies. Throughout this chapter, both David’s successes and sins point toward Jesus as the true Good Shepherd and King for all people.  Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Director of the Christ Academy Program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 5:1-25.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nation

David refuses to gloat over the death of Abner. In his mourning, David makes it plain that Joab killed Abner without David’s approval. In this, David shows wisdom to unite Israel under his reign. Meanwhile, Ish-bosheth realizes his precarious position now that Abner has died. Two treacherous men assassinate Ish-bosheth in his own bed. Though these men thought they would be doing David a favor, David continues to show faithfulness to the house of Saul and rightly executes justice against the two murderers. Throughout continued actions of political intrigue, the LORD remains at work to remove all obstacles to David’s kingdom.  Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 3:31-4:12.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophet

The civil war in Israel between the houses of Saul and David continues bitterly for a while. David’s house grows stronger as he gains wives and sons, even as those same details cause trouble for David later on. In the house of Saul, an accusation against Abner leads the mighty general to switch to David’s side. Abner meets David’s demands and begins to bring all of Israel over to David. Joab refuses to forgive Abner and assassinates Saul’s old general before the unification is entirely complete. Nonetheless, throughout various sins and motivations, the LORD is at work to bring about His kingdom.  Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 3:1-30.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. E

David receives the LORD’s instruction to go back to the city of Hebron in Judah. There, Judah anoints David as their king, but the son of Saul, Ish-bosheth, is set up as king over the rest of Israel in Mahanaim. Abner, the general of the house of Saul, and Joab, the general over David’s men, agree to a competition between the young men of their armies, but this competition soon turns deadly. During the melee, Abner kills one of Joab’s brothers. A full-blown battle is only avoided by the wisdom of Abner and Joab. Nonetheless, many more from the house of Saul die than from the house of David. Even with all the human sin in play, the LORD is still at work to bring about the kingdom of David.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 2:1-32.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He p

As they were originally one long book, 2 Samuel begins where 1 Samuel ends. News of the death of Saul and Jonathan reaches David from an Amalekite who likely thinks he will be rewarded by David. After David confirms the death of the LORD’s anointed by hearing the testimony of the Amalekite a second time, David rightly executes his office by putting the Amalekite to death for being unafraid to lift his hand against the LORD’s anointed. David leads the people of Judah in mourning the death of Saul and Jonathan. He does so in forgiveness for the man who had tried to kill him and in love for his best friend.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 1:1-27.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan.

The Philistines bring full-scale war to Israel, and the Philistines are victorious. Three sons of Saul are slain, and when Saul sees the defeat all around him, he despairingly asks his armor-bearer to kill him. When the armor-bearer refuses, Saul breaks the 5th Commandment by taking his own life. The death of the king of Israel only strikes more fear into the Israelites and emboldens the Philistines. When the Philistines desecrate the body of Saul, the men of Jabesh-gilead risk their lives to show proper honor to their former king. This text invites conversation on the Bible’s teaching concerning suicide and Christian care for the bodies of those who have died.  Rev. Dr. Richard Marrs, senior professor of practical theology and pastoral counseling at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 31:1-13.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's

When David and his men return to Ziklag, they find that their city has been burned and their families have been taken away. David’s men are ready to kill him in their bitterness, but David relies on the LORD. The LORD commands David to pursue the raiding party and gives an Egyptian as a source of information. When David and his men overtake the guilty Amalekites, the enemy army’s revelry is quickly turned into destruction. David wins a complete victory over the Amalekites and rescues all of the people and all the spoil that had been taken. He shows great wisdom in treating all of his soldiers equally, both those who fought and those who protected the baggage. This gives us a picture of the wisdom and grace our Lord Jesus Christ.  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 1 Samuel 30:1-31.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-

Achish continues to make preparations for David to accompany him into war against Saul alongside the Philistines from Gath. The other commanders of the Philistines, however, refuse to allow this to happen. They realize that it would be the perfect opportunity for David to get back into Saul’s good graces. Achish reluctantly agrees and sends David back to Ziklag in peace, hoping that David will continue to be an economic benefit. Although the unbelieving world is blind to the true God and His purposes in His people, David remains faithful to His true Lord and King.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 29:1-11.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. Even as princes like

The Philistines prepare to go to war against Israel while David is among them. The gathering Philistine army strikes fear into Saul's heart, and he attempts to seek the LORD through faithful means. When these do not yield his desired results, he loses patience and seeks out unholy means. He goes to a medium in En-dor in an effort to speak to Samuel, who has died. The medium is surprised and fearful when something happens, and a message is relayed to Saul that he and his sons will soon die. Saul falls to the ground and instead of acting as king, he has to be fed and comforted by this medium.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Samuel 28:1-25.  "A Kingdom Unlike All the Nations” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Samuel. This time in Israel's history has its highs and lows, but the LORD's faithfulness never wavers. He provides His Word to be proclaimed faithfully through prophets like Samuel and Nathan. E