As the LORD assigns duties to the Levites, He now has Moses number only those who are physically able to complete their service in the tabernacle, that is, those between thirty and fifty years of age. The sons of Kohath will care for the holy items within the tabernacle. The priests must make special preparations for the Kohathites so that they do not perish from touching the holy things. The sons of Gershon and Merari will care for the coverings of the tabernacle and the structural pieces of th...
Sep 30, 2024•51 min
The LORD purposely told Moses not to count the Levites as a part of the Israelite army, because the Levites have a different role among the people of Israel. Aaron and his sons are to serve as priests in the LORD’s house, and the Levites are to assist the sons of Aaron. The Levites also serve the people by guarding the tabernacle, lest the people go before the LORD in His holiness unprepared. The Levites also serve a vicarious role within the people of Israel. Instead of claiming every firstborn...
Sep 27, 2024•53 min
The LORD orders His people both in the way they camp and in the way they march. As the tribe through which the line of the promised Christ will come, the tribe of Judah occupies the first place. At the same time, the tabernacle occupies the central place, for the LORD’s presence among His people is primary. Although the people surround the tabernacle in their camp, the LORD’s presence there provides protection for the people. Although the people march both before and after the Levites who carry ...
Sep 26, 2024•56 min
The fourth book of Moses begins at the base of Mount Sinai in the second year after the LORD delivered His people from slavery in Egypt. There, the LORD continues to speak to Moses so that His people will listen to His Word. He names and numbers His army one tribe at a time in preparation for their conquest of the Promised Land. As the book of Numbers progresses, this first generation of Israelites will fall into idolatry and impatience and so fail to receive the Promised Land. However, the LORD...
Sep 25, 2024•53 min
"Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the plains of Moab. This strengthens us to listen to God’s promises today and stay faithful to Him as He guides us toward resurrection life. Sharper Iron, hosted by...
Sep 25, 2024•3 min
In the final stanza of Psalm 119, we place before God’s face our desperate need so that He will give us understanding and deliverance according to His promise. In response, our mouths open to sing and chant back to God what He has first said to us. We long for His salvation, knowing that apart from Jesus, we are sheep doomed to destruction. We pray in confidence that He is our Good Shepherd who seeks and saves us. Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders, president of the Iowa District East of The Lutheran Churc...
Sep 24, 2024•56 min
In the twenty-first stanza of Psalm 119, God’s Word is our joy greater than any other treasure. The riches of God’s Word are so great that we sing His praises always and regularly. Although the enemies of God may attack us, His Word makes us stand firm and shapes our ways according to His. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:161-168. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes throug...
Sep 23, 2024•53 min
In the twentieth stanza of Psalm 119, we pray that God would see us in our affliction to deliver us. He must be the one to stand up for our case and justify us by His promise. Although our adversaries are many, we need not waver from God’s Word, because His mercies far outnumber those who would harm us. This is our confidence, because God’s Word is true. Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church—Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:153-160. "God's W...
Sep 20, 2024•56 min
In the nineteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we call out to God with our entire being, asking for His salvation. Because we know that the morning will bring His salvation, we vigilantly wait for Him to keep His promise. Although our enemies draw near, God is nearer still in His promise, now and forever. 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 Psalm 119:145-152. "God's Word Is...
Sep 19, 2024•50 min
In the eighteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we praise God as the Righteous One who gives us His righteousness through His Word. He is faithful to His Word; He has never failed to keep His promises. Even though we are small, despised, troubled, and anguished, He gives us delight through His eternal righteousness. Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:137-144. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron ...
Sep 18, 2024•53 min
In the seventeenth stanza of Psalm 119, we marvel at the wonder of God’s Word that gives light and understanding. As we long for His commandments, God turns His face toward us with grace and keeps our steps steady by His promise. Even as we mourn at those who do not keep God’s Law, we rejoice in His redemption from man’s oppression. Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:129-136. "God's Word Is Our Great Herit...
Sep 17, 2024•51 min
In the sixteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we look to God to give us Himself as the pledge that He will act to fulfill His righteous promise. He deals with us according to His steadfast love, and so we long for His appointed time to bring about His salvation. In this confidence, we love His Words as the most valuable thing of all. 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 s...
Sep 16, 2024•56 min
In the fifteenth stanza of Psalm 119, our attitudes toward evil are shaped by God’s. As God spurns all who go astray from His Word, so we too renounce all wickedness and double-mindedness. Standing in fear and awe before the holy God, we cling to Him and to His Word alone, knowing that He is our only Savior. 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 st...
Sep 13, 2024•56 min
In the fourteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we rejoice to walk in the light of God’s Word. Although our lives may be under constant attack by the enemies of God and His Church, still we know that the Word of God will give us life. As God has given us an inheritance of grace in His Word, we incline our hearts toward all that He says. Rev. Joel Heckmann, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Okarche, OK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:105-112. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a...
Sep 12, 2024•58 min
In the thirteenth stanza of Psalm 119, we give thanks for the way God’s Word makes us wiser and gives us more understanding than anything or anyone else. For this reason, we love His Word but hate every false way. Rather than going astray to the right or the left, we seek to stay on the path God's Word gives us. Rev. Ian Kinney, pastor at First Lutheran Church in Sabetha, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:97-104. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron t...
Sep 11, 2024•55 min
In the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119, we confess the eternal nature of God’s Word. Even as His Word stands fast in the heavens, He brings it to us so that it gives us joy and life. Apart from God’s Word, we would perish in the traps of the wicked; therefore, God keeps us as His by His grace. Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:89-96. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. A...
Sep 10, 2024•55 min
In the eleventh stanza of Psalm 119, our whole being longs for God to fulfill His promise. As we lament before God, we acknowledge that His promise is true by crying out for Him to be faithful as we see all that is not righteous in the world. His Word provides a sure refuge when we lament, so that our faith in Him is not put to shame. Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:81-88. "God's Word Is Our Great ...
Sep 09, 2024•57 min
In the tenth stanza of Psalm 119, we look to the One who created us for understanding from His Word. His steadfast love and mercy come to us to comfort us, to fill us with delight, and to give us life. When the insolent speak lies to their shame, the people of God speak His Word to each other so that they are not put to shame. Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:73-80. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series...
Sep 06, 2024•57 min
In the ninth stanza of Psalm 119, we praise God for His goodness, which He reveals in His Word and His actions toward us. He even uses afflictions for our good by keeping us from going astray and drawing us closer to His instruction. Although the insolent attack us with false teaching, the LORD guards us by His truth that He is our good and gracious Savior. Rev. Tom Eckstein, pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:65-72. "God's Word...
Sep 05, 2024•55 min
In the eighth stanza of Psalm 119, we cry out to God, for He Himself is our inheritance. As He shows us His gracious favor through His Word, He turns our feet toward His testimonies. Although the wicked surround us with their cords, the LORD surrounds us even more with His Church. He strengthens us by His Word in the midst of those who fear His name. Rev. Kurt Ulmer, pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Wylie, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:57-64. "God's Word Is Our Great Her...
Sep 04, 2024•56 min
In the seventh stanza of Psalm 119, we ask God to remember the Word that gave us hope. This Word is the promise of the Gospel that gives life and comfort in affliction. Even as the insolent deride us, the Word of God teaches us the good that we love and the evil that we hate. Knowing that God remembers His Word, we remember His name and treasure His promises. Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:49-56. "God's Word Is...
Sep 03, 2024•56 min
In the sixth stanza of Psalm 119, we pray that God’s steadfast love, mercy, and faithfulness would come down to us and bring the salvation He has promised. As He does so through His Word, that truth remains in our mouth to confess before the world. As we speak and walk in the security of all that God says, we are not put to shame. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:41-48. "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on...
Sep 02, 2024•56 min
In the fifth stanza of Psalm 119, we ask that God would teach us His Word so that we would hold onto Him until He brings us to the goal of eternal life with Him. His Word is a well-worn path that brings delight to us as we walk in His will. As God turns our heart and eyes toward His Word, He turns away the reproach of sin and gives to us His righteousness. Rev. Kelly Krieg, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in William Penn, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:33-40. "God's Wor...
Aug 30, 2024•55 min
In the fourth stanza of Psalm 119, we confess our own sinful condition that leads to the dust of death, yet we confidently pray that God would grant us life through His Word. When our lives melt away in the sorrows of sin, God gives us His Word to strengthen us. By His grace for our salvation, He leads us to choose faithfulness to Him, to cling to His testimonies, and to run in the way of His commandments. Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelmeier, pastor at Crown of Life Lutheran Church in San Antonio, TX, jo...
Aug 29, 2024•58 min
In the third stanza of Psalm 119, we ask that God would bestow His bounty upon us through His Word, even as we sojourn in this life. His commandments are our constant desire, for to wander from them would earn His rebuke. Even as those who hold power and authority in this life may plot against us, God’s Word remains our focus and gives us counsel. Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:17-24. "God's Word Is O...
Aug 28, 2024•56 min
In the second stanza of Psalm 119, God teaches us that purity for our way comes through His Word. We treasure this Word in our heart so that it would remain on our lips and capture the constant gaze of our eyes. As we meditate on God’s Word, He brings us delight to have this true treasure. 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 Psalm 119:9-16. "God's Word Is Ou...
Aug 27, 2024•55 min
Through its acrostic structure, Psalm 119 shows us the comprehensiveness of the Word of God. In the first stanza, Psalm 1 is echoed as we learn that those who walk in the way of God’s Word are blessed. God has given His precepts for us to treasure in our hearts. With eyes fixed on His commandments, we are not put to shame but instead praise Him according to the righteousness He has freely given us in Jesus. In Him, God does not forsake us. Rev. Chris Hull, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and ...
Aug 26, 2024•55 min
"God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 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 sin...
Aug 26, 2024•3 min
St. Paul ties the gift of prayer very closely to the armor of God. As we cry out to God in prayer, we rely on His strength and ask for those things He promises in His Word. St. Paul particularly asks that the Ephesians would include him in their prayers of the Church, that he would be given to proclaim the gospel even while he is in prison. He commends Tychichus to them as the one who carries the letter and reads it to them. He concludes with the blessing of peace and grace from God, which the C...
Aug 23, 2024•56 min
As St. Paul begins to conclude his letter to the Ephesians, he reminds Christians of the gift of new clothing in Holy Baptism. In the Lord’s strength, this new clothing is armor that equips Christians to stand against the attacks of the devil. As St. Paul writes concerning each piece of armor, he encourages Christians to know the mighty protection God gives to us against our spiritual enemies. Because Christ has triumphed, so does His Church, for we are in Him. Rev. Isaac Schuller, pastor at Gra...
Aug 22, 2024•56 min
