Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Immediately after Haman’s shame at being forced to honor Mordecai, he is taken to Queen Esther’s second feast. There Esther reveals her request to Ahasuerus: she asks that he spare her and her people from destruction. When the king asks who is behind such wickedness, Esther names Haman as the foe. As Haman realizes his imminent demise, he pleads for his life from Queen Esther, but the king sees it as an assault on his wife and orders that Haman be executed on the very tree Haman had intended for Mordecai’s death. To see Haman receive what he deserved in being executed on a tree reminds us of the curse of our sin that Jesus took upon Himself when He went to the cross for our salvation.  Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, School, and Early Childhood Center in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 6:14-7:10.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

The king attempts to secure his sleeplessness by having the book of memorable deeds read to him. When Ahasuerus learns that Mordecai has received no honor for the way he had saved the king from a homicidal conspiracy, the king asks Haman for his counsel. Confident that the king means to honor him, Haman recommends the highest accolades. To Haman’s shame, he is forced to honor the man he hates, Mordecai. This reversal sets the stage for Haman’s downfall, which the LORD is about to accomplish for the deliverance of His people.  Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 6:1-13.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

After three days and nights of fasting, Esther goes before the king without an invitation. He spares her life by extending his scepter to her, and he tells Esther to present her request. Using her God-given wisdom, Esther simply invites both the king and Haman to her feast that night. There, she promises that she will present her request when they come to her second feast the following evening. Haman’s joy at the honor of being invited by the Queen in this manner is dashed when he sees Mordecai refuse to bow down yet again. His family and advisors encourage him to prepare for Mordecai to be executed the very next day.  Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 5:1-14.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

In response to Haman’s wicked plot, Mordecai and the people of God throughout Persia mourn and repent, as seen in their outward appearance and actions. Esther, unaware of the plot, attempts to clothe Mordecai properly, but he refuses. As they converse via messengers, Mordecai makes Esther aware of what Haman has decreed against the people of God and warns her that she will not escape in the palace. Instead, he suggests to her that her position in the palace may have come about for the very purpose of being the means by which God brings deliverance for His people. Although Esther and Mordecai do not know this for a fact, they trust that God will be at work and seek to respond to their current situation faithfully. Therefore, Esther promises to go before the king, even if it means her death.  Rev. Tim Sandeno, pastor emeritus, residing in Rochester, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 4:1-17.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

When King Ahasuerus elevates Haman above all other Persian officials, Mordecai refuses to bow before Haman, likely due to religious realities. In fury, Haman begins to plot to destroy not only Mordecai but the entire people of God to which Mordecai belongs. At this point, however, Haman’s fury does not overwhelm him. He patiently casts lots to find just the right date for his evil plan. When the lot lands favorably, he goes before King Ahasuerus and deceptively convinces the King. With the King’s signet ring in hand, Haman issues an edict that calls for the utter destruction of God’s people on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month. Though the chapter ends with a cliffhanger, God continues to work behind the scenes for His people’s good.  Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Student Center in Macomb, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 3:1-15.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

After a delay due to military campaigns, King Ahasuerus remembers what had happened with Vashti and decides to find a new prized queen. Among those taken into the king’s palace was a young Judean woman, Esther, an orphan who had been raised by her cousin, Mordecai. Mordecai helps Esther navigate a terribly difficult situation. Eventually, Esther is chosen as queen. As Mordecai continues to stay in touch with his cousin, he uncovers a plot against the king and saves the king from assassination. Although the narrative at this point may seem somewhat confusing and continues to include matters that look completely secular, these events are being directed by God toward His end of saving His people.  Rev. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 2:1-23.  "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

The book of Esther starts with the opulent and extravagant party given by King Ahasuerus of Persia. As the king and his officials feast and drink to excess, Ahasuerus’ beautiful and prized queen, Vashti, refuses her husband’s attempt to objectify her. When the king does not know what to do, his advisors tell him to issue a proclamation putting Vashti in her place, lest other Persian wives behave similarly. Although this introduction to the book of Esther seems to be entirely secular, its role within the book and the entirety of sacred Scripture reminds us that even what seems to be “secular” history is truly God at work behind the scenes for the sake of His people.  Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Esther 1:1-22 "For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.

"For Such a Time As This” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Esther. Although God is never explicitly named in the book of Esther, He remains the One who directs all the events of the book. Happenings that seem coincidence, chance, or luck are truly God at work. He puts Mordecai and Esther in the right places and moments to work through them to deliver His people.   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. Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

After Nehemiah had gone back to the court of King Artaxerxes for a time, he returned to Jerusalem to find God’s people in need of continued instruction and correction. Although they had promised to remain faithful to the LORD by caring for His house, observing the Sabbath, and avoiding intermarriage with idolaters, God’s people had fallen into sin in each of those areas. As a faithful leader, Nehemiah calls the people back to faithfulness to the LORD and prays that the LORD would bring success to this work.  Rev. Lucas Witt, assistant director of the Lutheran Mission Society of Maryland, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 13:1-30.  "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

Another list of people who had returned Jerusalem includes information about the roles they fulfilled, especially within the worship life of God’s people. Because the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem was more than a secular construction project, the people of God dedicate the completed work with singing and great joy. Multiple choirs lead the people in worshipping God, and their joyful singing was heard far away. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 12:1-47. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

Although Jerusalem’s walls had been rebuilt, few people were living in the city itself. The leaders first moved into Jerusalem, and the rest of the people willingly participated in the casting of lots to allow the LORD to determine the rest of the city’s residents. The list of the people who moved into Jerusalem, as well as those who remained in the villages surrounding the city, provided physical opportunities for God’s people to support each other’s needs within the Body of Christ. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 11:1-36. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

As the people prepare to renew the covenant with the LORD, they seal their names before Him. The clergy and the laity, the leaders and the people, all join to enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law given to Moses. In view of their history that led to their exile in the first place, the people particularly make promises concerning intermarriage with idolaters, keeping the Sabbath day, and supporting the work of the temple. As they promise not to neglect the LORD’s house, the focus is placed on the sacrifices by which the LORD provides for His people’s forgiveness of sins. Rev. Jacob Heine, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 10:1-39. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

Having heard the Word of God, the people gathered in Jerusalem join in prayer to the LORD. They bless the LORD’s name for His acts of mercy throughout their history. He showed mercy in making a covenant with Abraham. He showed mercy in delivering Israel from Egypt. He showed mercy by providing for their well-being in the wilderness. Even when Israel rebelled against the LORD by worshiping a golden calf, the LORD remained faithful and merciful. He brought them to the Promised Land and sustained them through the time of the judges. He sent prophets to call His people back to Himself. When they did not listen, He sent them into exile, yet even then, He did not make an end of His people. Recognizing the steadfast love and mercy of the LORD throughout their history, the people who have returned from exile now call upon God to show that same mercy to them as they desire to live under His covenant anew. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 9:1-38. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

With the walls of Jerusalem complete, the people of God now gather to hear the Word of God. Ezra the scribe and many helpers provided that the Word of God be read and proclaimed to the people from early morning until midday. As the people gave their attention to all that God said, Nehemiah and the Levites encouraged the people to rejoice. Not only did the people listen to the Word of God, they also sought to do what God had given them. They celebrated the Feast of Booths for seven days and held a solemn assembly on the eighth day, as God had commanded. Rev. Sean Smith, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mason City, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 8:1-18. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

As Nehemiah prepares to take a census of the people of Judah in preparation for people to move into Jerusalem, he finds the record of those who had returned at the edict of Cyrus almost 100 years ago. Although the list had been recorded previously in Ezra 2, the list is recorded again in this place as a reminder of the faithfulness of previous generations. Now that the wall of Jerusalem is complete, the list of those who initially returned is a reminder that God has been at work in His people by not only rebuilding a city but also restoring His people in true faith in Him and the promised Savior. Rev. Jason Wagner, pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 7:5-73. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

As the construction of the wall of Jerusalem nears completion, opposition against Nehemiah and the people of God grows. Nehemiah wisely recognizes the plots of his enemies and refuses to yield to their threats and intimidation. Even though the enemies of God’s people find allies within Judah, Nehemiah refuses to fall into sin and prays that the LORD would remember his enemies. By the LORD’s grace, the people finish the work on the wall of Jerusalem in only fifty-two days, even as the need for people to settle in the city continues. Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 6:1-7:4. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

Trouble for the people of God never comes only from without; trouble also arises from within. In Nehemiah’s time, even as the wall of Jerusalem was under construction, members of God’s people were oppressing the poor in Israel through the exaction of usury. Nehemiah takes time away from the important building project to deal with this even-more-important matter of spiritual care. He calls the nobles and officials of the people to repent and show proper care and generosity, and the people respond in faith. For his part, Nehemiah leads by example in the matter of generosity and care for members of the household of faith. Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Terra Bella, CA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 5:1-19. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

The work on Jerusalem’s walls brings anger and mockery from the opponents of the people of God. Nehemiah and the people of Judah draw strength from God through prayer, and they refuse to stop. Such a faithful response brings about plans for a secret attack by the opposition, and morale in Israel begins to waver. Nehemiah responds with both prayer and action, trusting that God will fight for the people. Nehemiah makes the people ready for attack by providing for self-defense, and the sneak attack comes to nothing, thanks to the LORD’s deliverance. Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 4:1-23. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

After Nehemiah’s inspection of the wall, the people begin to work. The list of workers shows the willingness of God’s people to do the labor needed. Although the areas of expertise of the workers varied, together they recognized the need and participated in the construction of the walls of Jerusalem. Although the various locations of gates and sections of the wall may not be known to us exactly, their names serve as a reminder of the reality of the city of Jerusalem. As the LORD gave His people strength to accomplish the task at hand, He was at work in history to make ready the place where His own Son, Jesus, would be crucified outside the city walls for the salvation of sinners. Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 3:1-32. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.

Nehemiah spends three months in prayer and preparation for the LORD gives him an opportunity to present his request to Artaxerxes. When the moment arrives, Nehemiah utters yet another brief prayer and asks Artaxerxes to send him to Jerusalem. God answers Nehemiah’s prayer as Artaxerxes agrees. When Nehemiah returns to Jerusalem, he discreetly inspects the walls of Jerusalem before exercising prudent, godly leadership to implore the people to help accomplish the rebuilding project. As always happens throughout history, opposition begins to arise against the work that God has given His people to do, but Nehemiah keeps his trust in the LORD. Rev. Dr. Ryan Tinetti, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arcadia, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Nehemiah 2:1-20. "God Brings His People Home” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. After 70 years in exile, the LORD began to fulfill His promise to bring His people back to the Promised Land. In the years that followed, faithful clergy and dedicated laity worked together to rebuild Jerusalem physically and restore the people of God spiritually. Through it all, God was at work to keep His promise of bringing the Savior into the world in the fullness of time.