Rev. Mike Newman, president of the Texas District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 2:11-22. Jeremiah continues to give voice to the lament of the people over the destruction of Jerusalem. Their spiritual and emotional suffering is accompanied by physical pain; even mothers are not able to provide for their own children. As Jeremiah leads the people in asking the questions on their hearts, the one that rises to the fore is, “Who can heal?”...
Aug 18, 2021•56 min
Rev. Dr. Tim Saleska, professor of exegetical theology and dean of ministerial formation at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 2:1-10. Jeremiah reflects theologically on the fall of Jerusalem. He does not let God off the hook. The prophet is very clear that the LORD is the One who has brought about the destruction of Jerusalem. The LORD has poured out His anger on His people; He has become like an enemy to His own daughter, Zion. Even His tem...
Aug 17, 2021•56 min
Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 1:12-22. Jeremiah continues to lament the destruction of Jerusalem. The city personified calls out to those who pass by that they would see the great sorrow, a cry that points forward to Jesus’ own sorrow on the cross. The LORD is acknowledged as the One who has caused the destruction of Jerusalem. Significantly, the people confess ...
Aug 16, 2021•55 min
Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Lamentations 1:1-11. The book of Lamentations finds its context in the aftermath of the destruction of Jerusalem. Traditionally, the prophet Jeremiah has been considered the author of the book, which clearly comes from eyewitness experiences. The book contains five poems, arranged not chronologically but theologically. The third poem is the center, in which the mercy of God is recognized ev...
Aug 13, 2021•55 min
“Mercy for Mourners” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Lamentations. As Jeremiah and the people of Judah mourn over the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple, they acknowledge God’s just wrath against them, confess their iniquity, and plead for His deliverance. In this way, the book of Lamentations teaches us to pray in repentance and faith so that we would see Christ as the One who has taken the wrath of God on Himself in our place to deliver us by His death and r...
Aug 13, 2021•3 min
Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 52:1-34. The book of Jeremiah ends with another account of the fall of Jerusalem as a reminder that the LORD does watch over His Word to perform it. Zedekiah was the final faithless king of Judah who refused to humble Himself before the LORD, leading to his foolish rebellion against Nebuchadnezzar. In response, the Babylonian king laid siege to...
Aug 12, 2021•55 min
Rev. Mark Barz, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 51:34-64. The people of God lament what Nebuchadnezzar has done in devouring them and pray for the LORD’s vengeance. The LORD promises that destruction will come upon Babylon, a foreshadowing of how the LORD defeats death and the devil by taking all the judgment against us upon Himself. The LORD calls His people out of Babylon, and they sing His praises as they once praised...
Aug 11, 2021•56 min
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 51:1-33. The LORD is bringing destruction against Babylon, and their resistance will be futile. By bringing judgment on the enemies of Israel, the LORD shows His people that He has not forsaken them. He therefore calls upon His people to flee from Babylon, as He still calls Christians today to flee from false teaching and the idolatrous ways of the world that lead to destruction. ...
Aug 10, 2021•55 min
Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 50:21-46. Although Babylon had been a hammer in the LORD’s hand, Babylon’s rebellion against the LORD has brought about their punishment. The LORD describes their coming destruction in sacrificial language. The people of Judah will rejoice to hear the news of the LORD’s victory over their enemies; He proves Himself to be the true God over the idols of Babylon. ...
Aug 09, 2021•55 min
Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 50:1-20. Jeremiah’s oracles against the nations have been building to the climax of these words from God to Babylon. The message of the defeat of Babylon and its idols must be proclaimed far and wide. The LORD’s destruction of these enemies means gathering and restoration for His people. He will not let their enemies go unpunished; all stand ac...
Aug 06, 2021•56 min
Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 49:23-39. Jeremiah’s oracles against foreign nations continue to work their way closer and closer to Babylon. Damascus, the capital of Aram, had often been at war with Judah; the LORD promises that His judgment will come against them, even as His love for these sinners is expressed. Kedar and Hazor were nomadic Arabian kingdoms famous for their warriors; the LORD tells them tha...
Aug 05, 2021•55 min
Rev. Timothy Appel goes “Back to the Forge” to answer a variety of listener email from the series on Jeremiah. What sort of influence did Assyria have on the kingdom of Judah? What should we expect from God when we pray for our enemies and those who have fallen from the faith? How can an insight from the Hebrew sharpen the picture of God’s power Jeremiah 37? Sharpen your faith in Christ by engaging with the Word of God with Pastor Appel in response to listener questions and feedback. Do you have...
Aug 05, 2021•29 min
Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 49:1-22. The LORD gives Jeremiah a word to speak to Ammon and Edom. Ammon traced its lineage to Lot, Abraham’s nephew; their history in relationship to Judah was often filled with strife. Their worship of the idol Milcom, or Molech, led to the horrific practice of child sacrifice. Their pride led to their fall; their economic success would be brought to ruin. Yet even to the ...
Aug 04, 2021•56 min
Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 48:11-47. The oracle against Moab continues on account of his great pride. The worship of the idol, Chemosh, is condemned and punished as calamity comes upon Moab. Yet the LORD does not delight in the death of the sinner; He works for repentance and faith. The entire land of Moab will be laid waste by the Babylonians, and the Moabites will mourn in their pagan ways. The LORD’s Word...
Aug 03, 2021•54 min
Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 47:1-48:10. Jeremiah’s second and third oracles to foreign nations address Israel’s neighbors to their west and east. The Philistines lived along the seacoast and had long been enemies of the LORD’s people. The Moabites lived east of the Dead Sea and also had found themselves in numerous conflicts with Israel throughout the Old Testament. The LORD addresses them both to let them kn...
Aug 02, 2021•54 min
Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Director of Admissions and the Christ Academy program at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 46:1-28. The book of Jeremiah begins a section of oracles directed to the foreign nations surrounding the land of Israel. Jeremiah faithfully preaches God’s Word according to his call to be a prophet to the nations beginning with the land of Egypt. The historical setting is the battle of Carchemish in 605 B.C. Though the Eg...
Jul 30, 2021•54 min
Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 44:1-45:5. As Jeremiah preaches to the Judeans living in Egypt, he diagnoses their condition as spiritual amnesia. They have forgotten the LORD’s Word and the judgments He has promised and sent for rebellion. Yet the people respond more defiantly than ever. They refuse to listen to the LORD’s Word, opting instead for what seems the pragmatic options. Idol worship seems to work...
Jul 29, 2021•55 min
Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 43:1-13. Just as Jeremiah expected, the remnant of Judah rejected the LORD’s command to remain in the Promised Land. In an effort to avoid God’s Word, they accuse Jeremiah of being a liar and Baruch of intending to betray them to the Babylonians. These far-flung accusations reveal just how far sinners will go to reject God’s Word and act as god themselves. Afraid that Jeremiah and...
Jul 28, 2021•56 min
Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller, pastor at St. Paul and Jesus Deaf Lutheran Churches in Austin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 42:1-22. Before they flee to Egypt, the remnant of Judah requests prayer and the Word of the LORD from Jeremiah. He promises a faithful answer, and they promise an obedient response. The ten day waiting period is a reminder of Jeremiah’s faithfulness in repeating the true Word of the LORD. The Word he is given to speak in this case is direct. There are two wa...
Jul 27, 2021•54 min
Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 41:1-18. The murder of Gedaliah crushes the short-lived peace for the remnant of Judah in the Promised Land. Ishamel proves himself to be brutal and bloodthirsty as he kills the governor while eating with him and then slaughtering religious pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Johanan’s forces are able to rescue the captives of Ishmael and push him into retreat. Under Jo...
Jul 26, 2021•57 min
Rev. Tim Koch, pastor at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank, SD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 40:1-16. Jerusalem has fallen, but life in Judah continues for Jeremiah and the other survivors. Though likely unknowingly, the Babylonian captain gives a faithful theological interpretation of what has happened: the LORD has brought His judgment on His people for their rebellion. Nebuzaradan sets Jeremiah free and gives him the choice of going to Babylon or staying in Judah. As a fai...
Jul 23, 2021•55 min
Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 39:1-18. The long foretold event finally arrives. In the eleventh year of King Zedekiah, Jerusalem falls to the Babylonians. Foreigners invade God’s holy city. Despite Jeremiah’s consistent warnings, Zedekiah tries to flee, only to be captured and receive horrific judgment from Nebuchadnezzar. In the aftermath, Jeremiah’s preaching continues to be proven faithfu...
Jul 22, 2021•55 min
Rev. David Appold, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Paducah, KY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 38:1-28. Jeremiah continues to preach that only those who surrender to the Babylonians, earning him the scorn of King Zedekiah’s officials. Concerned only with military morale, they exert their power over Zedekiah to throw Jeremiah into a muddy cistern. It is an Ethiopian who finally speaks up on behalf of Jeremiah, prompting weak-willed Zedekiah to allow Ebed-melech to rescue th...
Jul 21, 2021•54 min
Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 37:1-21. King Zedekiah, like his predecessors, did not listen to the Word of the LORD. Apart from faith, he asked Jeremiah to pray to the LORD, though the wicked king was already banking on the help of Egypt rather than the LORD. Jeremiah spoke the LORD’s Word faithfully as he had in the past. Though Babylon had temporarily left the siege, they would come back and destroy Jerusale...
Jul 20, 2021•55 min
Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 36:1-32. Four years into the reign of King Jehoiakim, Jeremiah has been preaching for more than twenty years. The LORD now commands His faithful prophet to write down those words, which are not Jeremiah’s, but the LORD’s. Jeremiah does so by dictating to his faithful scribe, Baruch. Because Jeremiah has been banned from the temple, he sends Baruch to read the scroll at a time when...
Jul 19, 2021•54 min
Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 35:1-19. The LORD sends Jeremiah to speak to the Rechabites. In 1 Chronicles 2, the Rechabites are connected with the Kenites, a group of people that historically had good relations with the people of Israel. Jeremiah gathers the Rechabites with important witnesses in one of the chambers of the temple of the LORD. He sets before them wine and invites them to drink. They ...
Jul 16, 2021•54 min
Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 34:1-22. The situation is dire in Jerusalem. The Babylonians and the vassal states under their control have surrounded the city. Jeremiah is sent to wicked king Zedekiah to tell him that he will not escape. He will come face to face with Nebuchadnezzar once Jerusalem is captured. Though he will not die in battle, he will die in Babylon. Following this word from Jeremiah, Zedekiah le...
Jul 15, 2021•55 min
Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 33:1-26. While Jeremiah is still imprisoned by King Zedekiah, the LORD brings His Word a second time. He reveals to Jeremiah His deeds that are not known to human reason. Despite the people’s attempts to stave off the Babylonians, the LORD will use them as His servants to bring His judgment upon His people. Yet the LORD still promises that He will rebuild His people as they had b...
Jul 14, 2021•54 min
Rev. Dr. Christopher Jackson, pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Algoma, WI and St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Forestville, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 32:26-44. The LORD answers Jeremiah’s prayer concerning his purchase of the field in Anathoth. The LORD declares that nothing is too hard for Him and reiterates His judgment upon the people of Judah and Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. His people have provoked Him to anger by their idolatry, even as priests ...
Jul 13, 2021•53 min
Rev. Rick Jones, chaplain and director of spiritual life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Jeremiah 32:1-25. The destruction of Jerusalem is near. Jeremiah has been put in prison under house arrest by Zedekiah, the last king of Judah. When the king questions Jeremiah’s faithful preaching, the prophet responds by relating the Word from the LORD. The LORD commanded Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel. Though engaging in ...
Jul 12, 2021•54 min
