Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

The author of Kings turns back to the southern kingdom, Judah, to tell us about three kings whose reigns began during the reign of Jeroboam of Israel. Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, oversaw the drastic decline from the wealth of his father. Abijam only reigned for three years, though his unfaithfulness did not diminish the faithfulness of God's promise to David. Asa is a bright spot in this history, as he remained devoted to the LORD and reformed some of the abuses of his fathers. Throughout all the kings of Judah, their shortcomings provide a longing for the true King to come, Jesus.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 14:21-15:24.  To learn more about Calvary Lutheran, visit www.calvarymechanicsburg.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 di

When Jeroboam's son falls ill, Jeroboam sends his wife to a prophet in disguise to find out what will happen. The prophet's failing eyesight does not prevent him from seeing the truth, and the Word of the LORD he speaks reveals that Jeroboam's family is coming to an end. This sick son will die, and he will be the only one of Jeroboam's family to receive a proper burial, for the rest of Jeroboam's family remains lost in idolatrous unbelief. The Word of the LORD comes to pass as the prophet foretold, as Jeroboam's son dies. When Jeroboam dies at the end of his twenty-two year reign, we are left knowing that the rest of the prophet's words will come to pass.  Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 14:1-20.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.Redeemer-Lawrence.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 t

A man of God appears to Jeroboam at his idolatrous altar in Bethel. The man of God prophesies that a son of David named Josiah will one day come and desecrate the idolatrous place of worship, and this man of God is proven to be true by the fulfillment of the sign he gives. Initially, the man of God lives according to the word of God he has been given, as he refuses to eat and drink with Jeroboam. Yet even this man of God later falls into temptation and receives judgment for his disobedience. Tragically, Jeroboam does not hear the word of God in repentance but continues to lead the people in idolatry to the destruction of Israel and Jeroboam's own household.  Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 13:1-34.  "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

After Solomon's death, his son Rehoboam receives a request from Israel that their hard service for the king be eased. Rather than listening to the wisdom of the older counselors, Rehoboam takes the advice of his young friends to promise even harder work for Israel. The results are disastrous, as Jeroboam seizes the opportunity to take ten tribes of Israel under his reign. By the word of the LORD, a civil war is avoided, but the kingdom of Israel divides in two. In the northern kingdom, Jeroboam takes wicked counsel by abolishing worship that the LORD had given His people. This infamous sin of Jeroboam leads the northern kingdom into great evil for its entire history.  Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Linn, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 12:1-33.  To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit www.zionlinn.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 matte

Toward the end of his life, Solomon's marriage alliances with idolatrous wives turned his heart away from the wisdom of worshipping the LORD alone. The folly of idolatry led Solomon to build high places for false gods, and this evil brought the LORD's anger upon Solomon. The LORD promised that a majority of the kingdom would be taken away from Solomon's son. The LORD also began to raise up adversaries against Solomon before Solomon died; chief among them was Jeroboam. Even in the midst of Solomon's faithlessness, however, the LORD remained faithful to His promise that a descendant of David would reign forever.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 11:1-43.  To learn more about Our Redeemer, visit www.ourredeemerstl.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

Solomon's fame spreads throughout the world, so much so that the queen of Sheba comes to hear and see him for herself. She exclaims that Solomon's wisdom and wealth have far surpassed the report and proclaims blessing upon the LORD for the way He has loved His people by giving them a faithful ruler. Solomon's wealth truly was extravagant, not only in gold and silver, but in a wealth of commodities. Despite such prosperity, this chapter continues to reveal Solomon's slow slide away from the LORD, as he fails to live according to the instructions given to kings in Deuteronomy 17.  Rev. Phillip Fischaber, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Walnut, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 10:1-29.  To learn more about Holy Trinity Lutheran, 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 peo

The LORD appears to Solomon a second time in answer to his prayer. The LORD promises that He will indeed dwell in the house that Solomon has built and warns Solomon from turning away to other gods, which will lead to destruction for Israel and the temple. Tragically, the rest of the chapter begins to reveal Solomon's slow slide toward such unfaithfulness as he wrongly attempts to dispose of Israelite land and cares more about wealth than worship.  Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 9:1-28.  To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit www.redeemer-oakmont.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

Solomon's prayer of dedication at the temple recognizes the reality that the people of Israel will fall into all kinds of sin, and so he prays that the LORD will be gracious to them in their sin, hear their prayer toward His temple, and forgive. After Solomon finishes his prayer, he blesses Israel by calling them to attend to the Word of God, which does not fail. The sacrifices and joy at the temple's dedication overflow at the goodness that God has shown to His people.  Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskalossa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 8:31-66.  To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit www.stjohnosky.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

Once the construction of the temple is complete, Solomon gathers the people of Israel and brings the ark of the LORD into the temple, and the glory of the LORD fills the house. Solomon blesses the people in the LORD's name, for He has promised that His name will be in the temple. Solomon prays to the LORD, acknowledging that He alone is the true God who shows steadfast love and keeps His promises. Therefore, Solomon asks the LORD to keep His promise by listening to the prayers offered to Him in the temple.  Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peters, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 8:1-30.  "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 th

The details given about Solomon's palace in Jerusalem indicate its splendor, yet the brevity of the text compared to the details of the temple remind us that the LORD's house is the one that matters. The craftsmanship described concerning the pillars, the sea, and the basins is quite intricate, as the LORD equipped Hiram the craftsman for the task. Each of the details describes not only the functionality of the temple but points to the purpose of the LORD coming to His people with His forgiveness.  Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 7:1-51.  "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 pr

The construction of the LORD's temple begins 480 years after the exodus from Egypt, marking this as a watershed moment in the LORD's work of saving His people. The grandeur of the temple confesses how valuable the LORD's presence is among His people. Decor in the temple reminiscent of the Garden of Eden shows how the LORD comes to bring His people a new creation. Though such details may seem tiresome to modern readers, all of the text points us forward to the fulfillment in Christ Jesus, in whom the fullness of God dwells among us.  Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 6:1-38.  "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 ca

Hiram the king of Tyre continues his friendly relationship with the kingdom of Israel during the reign of Solomon. Since the LORD has given peace to Israel and made His promise that the son of David would build the temple, Solomon makes an agreement with Hiram to acquire cedar for the LORD's house. Solomon continues to receive the LORD's wisdom with thanksgiving as he makes the preparations for materials and labor needed to accomplish the temple's construction.  Rev. Dr. Jacob Corzine, Vice President of Publishing for Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 5:1-18.  "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 prophets, working

Solomon exercises his God-given wisdom as he appoints court officials and other officers to help him manage the kingdom of Israel. Under Solomon’s reign, God blesses Israel, and the kingdom grows in territory and prosperity. Many of the descriptions of life under Solomon’s rule recall promises God made to His people, promises that He is now fulfilling. The fame of Solomon’s wisdom spreads throughout the world, and many people from many nations come to hear him. This foreshadows the nations coming to Christ in the Church.  Rev. Ian Kinney, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Sabetha, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 4:1-34.  "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 throu

Solomon’s marriage alliance with Egypt and his allowance of a multitude of high places for worship reveal cracks in the foundation of Solomon’s kingdom. However, Solomon’s love of the LORD is real, and even more importantly, the LORD’s grace to Solomon is real. While Solomon worships at Gibeon, the LORD promises to give Solomon the answer to his prayer. Solomon prays for wisdom, and the LORD promises not only wisdom, but also riches, honor, and long life. The reality that the LORD answered this prayer is revealed quickly in a difficult case in which Solomon’s wisdom is displayed in his goodness and preservation of life.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 3:1-28.  "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

Solomon’s sole reign over Israel begins with several challenges to his rightful rule. Solomon recognizes Adonijah’s request to marry Abishag as an attempt to usurp the throne of Israel, so Solomon swiftly executes his treacherous brother. Joab, the general who had sided with Adonijah, realizes that he is in danger as well. He unsuccessfully flees for refuge to the horns of the altar, and the innocent blood Joab shed is brought back upon his head. While Shimei is given the opportunity to remain alive, he breaks the terms of the agreement he made with Solomon, and Shimei too is executed. In each of these incidents, Solomon acts within his authority as king over Israel, and the LORD establishes Solomon’s throne.  Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 2:13-46.  "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 m

Adonijah and his supporters quickly realize with terror that Solomon will be king after David. Adonijah pleads for Solomon’s mercy and receives it, along with a warning that Adonijah prove himself faithful to the rightful king of Israel. Solomon begins to reign alongside of David before David dies. David instructs Solomon to be faithful to the word of the LORD and to enact true justice in a few open cases from David’s reign. When David dies, he goes to sleep in the LORD, and Solomon reigns as king in his place.  Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 1:41-2:12.  "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 throu

The book of Kings begins where Samuel left off. David is old and near the end of his reign, but he has not clearly laid out which son will succeed him as king. Adonijah attempts to take advantage of the situation to establish himself as king, with the help of Abiathar and Joab. However, Nathan the prophet knows the intent of David and the LORD. Nathan enlists the help of Bathsheba to remind David of his previous promise that Solomon would reign as king over Israel next. David takes quick action to proclaim Solomon as king publicly.  Rev. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 1:1-40.  "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 ba

"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 prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. 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. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Failing the LORD’s test, David sinfully decrees a census of the warriors in Israel. Upon being struck by the condemnation of the Law, David confesses his sin and places himself in the hands of the LORD, who brings a three-day pestilence against Israel. David pleads for mercy upon the people, and Gad the prophet brings God’s Word to David to buy the threshing floor where the LORD stopped His pestilence. This later becomes the place where Solomon builds the temple to the LORD, testifying to the LORD’s mercy in bringing about the end of His wrath against mankind’s sin through the sacrifice of the Son of David, Jesus.  Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 24:1-25.  "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 Samue

David speaks his last will and testament, prophetically looking ahead to his Son, Jesus—the faithful and righteous King who will reign over His people forever, defeating all enemies. Reflecting on David’s own reign, the names and exploits of his mighty men are recorded. Their strength came from the Lord, who granted great victories through them for His people. These mighty deeds foreshadow the even greater works of Christ our Lord, who has saved us from our enemies. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 2 Samuel 23:1-39.  "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 fore