Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

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.

As Elijah journeys to the place where he will be taken into heaven, he invites Elisha to count the cost of following him as prophet in Israel. Elisha faithfully follows Elijah and asks that he would receive a double portion of the spirit upon Elijah. When Elisha sees Elijah taken up into heaven, he rightly recognizes God’s activity and confesses that the prophetic word is the true power in Israel. The LORD answers Elisha’s prayer and makes this plain to Elisha as he is able to part the Jordan River just as Elijah did before him. Right away, the LORD shows His people that Elisha is the prophet in whose mouth is the Word of God, which comes to pass and must not be mocked.  Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Kings 2:1-25.  To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit www.graceelgin.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

Jehoshaphat was a faithful king in the land of Judah. In contrast to the kings of Israel with whom he allied, Jehoshaphat rightly repented when confronted by the word of the LORD’s prophets. Meanwhile in the land of Israel, Ahaziah the son of Ahab only continued in the sins of Jeroboam, Ahab, and Jezebel. When Ahaziah fell and became sick, he chose to consult the idol of Ekron instead of the only true God. The LORD gave Elijah the word of judgment to speak to Ahaziah, who attempted to send his soldiers to bring Elijah by force. Only the captain who came in humility before the LORD’s prophet had his life spared, and the LORD brought death upon unfaithful Ahaziah, just as Elijah had spoken.  Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 22:41-2 Kings 1:18.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit www.immanuelroswell.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the

Ahab of Israel allies with Jehoshaphat of Judah in an effort to take Ramoth-gilead back from Syria. When Jehoshaphat asks to consult a prophet first, Ahab reluctantly sends for Micaiah, who never gives Ahab good news. Micaiah initially ridicules Ahab by pretending to agree with the false doctrine of the court prophets. When pressed, however, Micaiah faithfully tells Ahab that his death is coming soon, for the LORD is even working through the false prophets. Micaiah willingly goes to prison for his faithful preaching, and Ahab dies in battle against the Syrians, just as Micaiah had foretold.  Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 22:1-40.  To learn more about King of Glory, visit www.kogva.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

When Ahab desires to purchase the vineyard of Naboth to convert it into a vegetable garden, Naboth faithfully refuses to sell the inheritance God has given to his family. Ahab’s pity party is rebuked by his wicked queen, Jezebel, who takes matters into her own hands. Although outwardly she puts together what seems to be a legal scenario, her ungodly scheming and covetousness costs Naboth his life. The LORD sees the sins of Jezebel and Ahab and sends Elijah to prophesy their family’s destruction. Ahab rightly mourns, and the word of the LORD graciously responds that the destruction of Ahab’s family will be delayed until the days of Ahab’s son.  Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 21:1-29.  To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit www.facebook.com/GoodShepChesterfield. "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 great

When Ben-Hadad of Syria makes more and more demands of Ahab, Ahab takes the advice of his people and refuses to acquiesce anymore. As the battle is about to begin, the LORD sends a prophet to Ahab in order to grant even this unfaithful king a victory over Syria. When the Syrians interpret this loss according to their false religion, the LORD brings honor to His name by giving Israel yet another victory. Ahab, however, receives the grace of God in vain and makes a treaty with Ben-Hadad. In response, the LORD sends a prophet to Ahab to tell him that his life is forfeit for his disobedience.  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 1 Kings 20:1-43.  "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

When Jezebel threatens to kill Elijah for what he has done to the prophets of Baal, Elijah runs for his life out of the land of Israel. Although the prophet fled apart from God’s Word, the LORD miraculously provides for Elijah and sends him to Mount Sinai. There, Elijah lays his honest complaint before the LORD, and the LORD responds to Elijah through His Word in a low whisper. Even when the LORD’s miraculous signs may not be present, the LORD teaches Elijah that His Word always is. The LORD strengthens Elijah by telling the prophet who will come after him and reminding him of the other faithful Christians in the land of Israel. In obedience to the LORD’s Word, Elijah goes to Elisha who will follow in his footsteps.  Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 19:1-21.  To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit www.immanuelsta.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in

Elijah sets the terms for a contest with the false prophets. Both sides will prepare a sacrifice, but neither will set fire to it, allowing the true God to show Himself by answering the prayer. Elijah allows the false prophets to go first. Although they spend all morning crying upon Baal according to their pagan rites, nothing happens, a reality mocked by Elijah and the author of Kings. When Elijah takes his turn, he prepares his sacrifices so it will be obvious that the answer has come from the LORD and no one else. The LORD’s answer is swift, as not only the bull, but the entire altar is burned. Judgment is executed upon the false prophets of Baal by the people, who have returned to the LORD as the true God. Mercifully, the LORD sends rain upon His people after the three-and-a-half-year drought.  Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 18:20-46.  To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit www.bethanylcms.org. "A Ki

By the time the LORD sends Elijah back to Israel, the famine has grown so severe that King Ahab himself has to go and look for grass to graze his animals. This provides the opportunity for faithful Obadiah, the man in charge of the king’s household, to be alone and meet Elijah. Obadiah initially thinks that announcing Elijah’s return to Ahab will prove deadly if the Spirit takes Elijah away suddenly again. In his lament, Obadiah gives faithful voice to his prayer before the LORD. Elijah promises that he will be present to meet Ahab, and so it happens. Although Ahab attempts to label Elijah as the troubler of Israel, Ahab’s idolatry is the real source of Israel’s trouble. Elijah prepares to bring the LORD’s solution by setting up a contest with the false prophets who are being supported by the royal house. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 18:1-19.  To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit www.mlchouston.org. "A Kingd

In judgment against Israel and in mockery of Israel’s monarchs, the LORD sends Elijah to Sidon, Jezebel’s homeland. There, the LORD miraculously provides for His prophet through a poor widow who comes to faith in the one true God. When death strikes the widow’s son, her regret comes to the surface, but Elijah quickly acts. Through the prophet, the LORD brings the child to life again, showing that the word of the LORD is true. This text is brought to fulfillment in the Lord Jesus Christ, not only when He helps a mother from this same region, but finally when He rises from the dead to life that has no end.  Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 17:8-24.  To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran, visit  www.stpaulaustin.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. T

Omri, the commander of Israel’s army, came out on top when the dust settled after Zimri’s death. Although Omri established Samaria and brought Israel to greater political prominence during his reign, the writer of 1 Kings judges Omri as an unfaithful king whose wickedness before the LORD is the worst so far. Omri didn’t remain on that pedestal for long, as his son Ahab was more wicked still, influenced by his pagan wife Jezebel. Nonetheless, the LORD remained faithful to Israel in those days and sent Elijah as one of His greatest prophets. Elijah’s ministry began by predicting a drought as judgment against Israel’s wickedness, even as the LORD provided for Elijah during that time of no rain.  Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 16:21-17:7.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in

As 1 Kings records the reigns of four kings of whose rule began during the reign of King Asa of Judah, the situation only grows worse and worse. Nadab, son of Jeroboam, only reigns for two years before Baasha comes and kills the whole house of Jeroboam, in fulfillment of the Word of the LORD. Baasha’s reign over Israel is longer, but his unfaithfulness leads to his family’s destruction by the Word of the LORD. That word is fulfilled when Elah, the son of Baasha, is killed along with the rest of his family by Zimri. Zimri’s reign is only seven days long, a reminder of the chaos that holds sway in Israel due to the way the people hold onto the idolatry Jeroboam instituted.  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 Kings 15:25-16:20.  To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitynlr.com. To learn more about Shepherd of Peace Lutheran, visit shepeace.com. "A Kingd