Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

King Hezekiah and his royal officials seek the Word of the LORD in the face of the Assyrian threat. After Isaiah delivers the LORD's promise of a miraculous rescue, the Rabshakeh continues to tempt the people of Judah to unbelief. Hezekiah responds by bringing the enemy's words to the LORD and asking that the LORD show Himself as the one true God. Isaiah again brings the LORD's Word of promise to Hezekiah, and the LORD fulfills His Word by striking down the entire Assyrian army and bringing King Sennacherib to a dishonorable death by assassination.  Rev. Lucas Witt, executive director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 37:1-38.  "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

Isaiah begins to recount the historical narrative of the LORD's deliverance of His people from the Assyrians. Although the might of the Assyrian army was great, the text focuses on the war of words waged by the Assyrian official, the Rabshakeh. His temptations are strong, using half-truths in order to draw the people away from their trust in the LORD. Only strengthened by the LORD's promises can the people of Judah stand against such demonic attacks, and Judean royal officials are prepared to do just that as they mourn over the words spoken by the Rabshakeh and return to King Hezekiah to go hear from the prophet Isaiah.  Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 36:1-22.  "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

Out of the devastation of the previous chapter, the LORD promises to bring restoration for His people and His creation. He will make the desert a garden, He will strengthen His people's weaknesses, and He will heal His people's diseases. In this, the LORD will show His glory and bring His salvation. He will bring His people back upon the way that leads to Him so that they will rejoice with great singing. Isaiah's words speak not only about the return from exile in the Old Testament, but also about the work of Jesus in the Gospels and His ongoing ministry in the Church today.  Rev. Dr. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 35:1-10.  "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 the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will

The LORD calls upon all the nations to listen as He speaks His fury against all those who have set themselves against them. The judgment upon such unbelief is coming, and it will not be pretty. The LORD says that His sword will bring condemnation particularly upon Edom, which had a history of animosity toward the LORD and Israel. All such peoples who are not joined to the cause of Zion can expect the LORD to make their land a waste. In this way, the LORD's Word stands as a warning against all who do not look to Him for salvation.   Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 34:1-17.  "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 the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God wit

When the LORD proclaims that Assyria will be destroyed, His people respond in prayer, asking that the LORD would bring His salvation for which they wait. They recognize the fear of Him as their true treasure and look for Him to arise. Those who do not fear the LORD, however, tremble at the news of His coming. The only one who can dwell with Him is the one who lives by faith in the coming Savior, Jesus, who truly is the King who saves.  Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 33:1-24.  "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 forever and ever! Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy A

Isaiah proclaims the coming king who will reign in righteousness. Under His reign, the people of God will dwell safely with the true knowledge and worship of Him. Those who are foolish will be known as such, and those who are complacent will mourn over the judgment that the LORD will bring. Once the judgment is complete, the righteous King will pour out the Spirit who will cause the LORD's people to be fruitful. In this way, Isaiah preaches of the coming reign of Jesus Christ.  Rev. James Helms, Jr, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 32:1-20.  "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 forever an

Isaiah tells the people of Judah that Egypt will be absolutely no help against Assyria. God's people would be foolish to put their trust in men rather than the LORD. He is the true God who comes down to protect His people, so that they can return to Him even after they revolted against Him by their idolatry. Although Egypt's help against Assyria is nothing, the LORD promises that He will bring the Assyrian threat against His people to an end.  Rev. Philip Zielinski, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Valley City, OH, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 31:1-9.  "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 forever and ever! Sharper Iron, hosted by

The LORD calls His people rebellious children for desiring an alliance with Egypt, who will actually be no help to Judah at all. Because Judah despises the LORD's Word, His swift judgment will befall them. Yet He gives His promise. Their salvation will be found in returning to Him and resting in His Word, and He is waiting patiently to show that very mercy. He will show Himself as their Teacher and the very Way of salvation so that His brightness will shine upon them. They will respond with singing as the LORD rescues them from their enemies. These promises are fulfilled in the 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 Isaiah 30:1-33.  "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 tr

The LORD speaks to His people Jerusalem about the coming destruction that Assyria will bring, according to the will and work of the LORD. When the LORD also promises that He will work a miraculous deliverance on His people's behalf, the people fail to believe His promise. Their faithless worship has left the blind and deaf, yet the LORD promises that He will work wonders among His people that will put to shame all human wisdom. These promises look forward to the fulfillment in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 29:1-24.  "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

Having addressed many foreign nations and the entire earth, the LORD turns once more to His people, Israel and Judah. Though the leaders of Ephraim are proud, they are no match for the LORD's might. He alone is the crown of glory. The priests and prophets have failed and fallen into the same drunken stupor, and so the LORD will bring His Word upon them in judgment. Jerusalem has no place for pride in response; instead, their only hope will be found in the cornerstone that the LORD lays for Himself, Jesus Christ the Savior. As He does His alien work to get to His proper work, the LORD knows what He is doing; His people can trust Him.  Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 28:1-29.  "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

The day of the LORD is a day of victory over all His enemies, even Leviathan. By speaking about the LORD's victory in this way, Isaiah shows that the LORD alone is the true God over all idols, and no powers of evil will win the victory over Him. Having defeated His people's enemies, He will plant His people as His fruitful vineyard and keep them safe. Though His people received His punishment at the hands of their enemies, the LORD has atoned for His people's sins and punished the enemies for their wickedness. All of this looks forward to the day of victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was lifted up to draw all nations to Himself.  Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 27:1-13.  "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 w

In response to the LORD's feast of victory, His people sing His praises. He has given them a strong city in which He keeps His people secure with a double portion of peace. He makes His people walk upon the level path of His righteousness, while His enemies are consumed. When the LORD's people cried out to Him under His discipline, there was no deliverance to be found in themselves. Instead, the LORD is the One who raises His people from death and gives us eternal life in great joy in Jesus.  Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 26:1-21.  "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 fo

Even after the judgment spoken in the previous chapter, Isaiah now turns to praise the LORD as his God. The LORD has done wonderful things in faithfulness to His promises made long ago. He is a stronghold for His people, providing shelter from the storm and shade from the heat. On His mountain, He prepares His feast for His people because He has swallowed up the greatest enemy, death. The LORD has accomplished what He promised through Isaiah in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 25:1-12.  "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 forever

After speaking ten oracles of judgment to specific nations, the LORD now addresses the whole earth. No one will escape the desolation that His wrath brings. The once mighty and mirthful city will be brought low with great sorrow. The LORD's destruction will be great so that repentance before Him is the only option, even as a remnant remains to praise Him as He reigns in His glory. The lack of specificity in names and places in this chapter invites us to see the universality of God's Word and to repent and believe in Jesus Christ alone.  Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 24:1-23.  "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

Isaiah brings this section with ten burdens upon the nations to a conclusion with a burden concerning Tyre. As an economic center of the ancient world, the judgment that is coming upon Tyre wreaks havoc upon all the nations. No amount of economic success can be a true refuge from the day of the LORD, for He will bring all the glory of man down. As the LORD said would happen, so He brought about the destruction of Tyre through Alexander the Great. As this section comes to an end, the LORD makes it clear that there is no hope in the nations. He alone is the place of refuge and salvation.  Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 23:1-18.  "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 tr

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