Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Psalm 111 is an acrostic poem that makes use of every letter of the Hebrew alphabet to show us the fullness of the LORD's steadfast love for which we give Him thanks and praise. The LORD’s works are great and majestic as He exercises His power to show us sinners His mercy. We remember His wondrous works that He has accomplished because He has remembered His promises to us. By His faithfulness and righteousness, He has redeemed His people and kept His covenant forever. Such gifts are received in the faith and fear of the LORD. Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church—Hanover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 111. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. 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

Psalm 107 gives thanks to the LORD for the deliverance He gives to His people when they cry to Him. Wherever they may be and whatever their distress, the LORD hears and answers His people. Whether such trouble comes upon us because we live in a world full of sin or the trouble is the sin of which we are guilty, the LORD shows mercy and grace to those who call upon Him in faith. Although some may seek help from their own reason or strength, true wisdom looks to the LORD’s steadfast love and gives thanks to Him. Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 107. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. 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

Psalm 106 brings us to give thanks to God for His enduring steadfast love, shown to His people even in their sin. This psalm recounts both the LORD’s mighty works for Israel and Israel’s acts of rebellion. Israel’s history is littered with their rebellious idolatry, all the way from Egypt through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. Nonetheless, the LORD gave them intercessors like Moses and Phineas along the way, and He saved His people in accordance with His promise. Because we are confident in the LORD’s abundant mercy, we cry out to Him in confession of our own sins still today, knowing that He forgives us and saves us for the sake of Jesus. Rev. Doug Minton, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Milford, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 106. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. 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

The superscription of Psalm 100 identifies its purpose: to lead us into thanksgiving of the one true God. We join our voices to all creation when we make a joyful noise to the LORD, not only in our daily vocations, but especially in the Divine Service. We sing to Him because He has created us and saved us as our Good Shepherd. All of the LORD’s work for us comes from the reality that He is good, and His steadfast love and faithfulness endure to all generations. Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 100. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. 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

Psalm 95 calls us to come and worship the LORD as the great God and King who has created all things and has shepherded His people. In His presence in the Divine Service, our voices break forth in song and our bodies bow in humility. To hear God’s Word in His presence is not a gift to be taken for granted, as the Israelites did in the wilderness, thus earning the LORD’s wrath. Instead, when we hear His voice today, the only proper response is faith in Him. Rev. Dr. Kevin Golden, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 95. "Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. 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

"Psalms of Thanksgiving” is a series on Sharper Iron that looks to several psalms to help us give thanks to God. The LORD gives blessings to His whole creation, even all evil people. As we pray the psalms, He teaches us to receive all His gifts with thanksgiving, knowing that He is good and His steadfast love endures forever. 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

The leaders of the tribe of Manasseh come to Moses with a follow-up question regarding the inheritance for the daughters of Zelophehad. What happens if these daughters marry outside the tribe of Manasseh? Will Manasseh’s inheritance, a gift from the LORD, be taken away from them? The LORD answers this faithful question graciously; He delights when His children ask Him to help them apply His Word. He commands female heirs to marry inside their tribes, so that the inheritance that He has given to each tribe remains intact. The daughters of Zelophehad do so in faith and obedience. This text points us toward the inheritance that is ours in Christ, which the LORD will preserve for us. 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 study Numbers 36:1-13. "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 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

Because the tribe of Levi did not have a particular section of land as an inheritance, the LORD instructed His people to provide cities throughout Israel for Levites to live and to work. Although the Levites received income from the tithes of the people, they still worked the land as well. In this way, the LORD provided the Levites as a living sermon for all the Israelites of the importance of His Word. Six of the cities for the Levites were also cities of refuge. These were places spread throughout the land of Israel where those who had accidentally killed another person could flee to avoid vengeance. Taking a life was still a serious matter, however; therefore, the person who had committed manslaughter stayed in the city of refuge until the high priest died. This preached the atoning sacrifice of our great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Rev. Brady Finnern, president of the Minnesota North District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 35:1-34. "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 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

The LORD continues to prepare His people for their entry into the Promised Land. He lays out the boundaries of the land He is giving to them as a definite and concrete fulfillment of what He has spoken. The fact that the LORD gives these boundaries before the people have entered the land further solidifies the certainty of His promise, as does the listing of the leaders through whom the inheritance of land will be given. All of these details are fulfilled not in the ongoing possession of this exact land, but rather in the inheritance that Christians have in the resurrection through Jesus Christ. Rev. Sean Smith, senior pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Clarksville, TN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 34:1-29. "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 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

Now that the LORD has led His people to the brink of the Promised Land, Moses recounts the places Israel has camped since the Exodus from Egypt. Each place mentioned along the way is a place where the LORD led His people. Throughout this history, Moses highlights God’s gracious work for His rebellious people. From Egypt to Sinai through the wilderness to the east side of the Jordan River, for forty years the LORD fulfilled His promises to His people Israel. Now, as they prepare to enter the Promised Land, they must resolve themselves to drive out the idolatrous inhabitants of Canaan. The LORD gives this command so that Israel remains faithful to Him alone. Rev. Peter Elliott, pastor at Messiah Lutheran Church in Seattle, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 33:1-56. "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 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

The tribes of Reuben and Gad, along with half of the tribe of Manasseh, approach Moses with a request to inherit land on the east side of the Jordan River, because that area is fitting for raising their livestock. Moses initially reacts with anger against this request, remembering how Israel’s refusal to go into the Promised Land forty years ago had led to an entire generation dying in the wilderness. These two-and-a-half tribes assure Moses that they will indeed help their brothers in taking the Promised Land, fully believing the LORD’s promise for all Israel. The LORD grants this request through Moses with solemn promises made by the leaders of tribes, who begin to receive the LORD’s gift to them even before they have crossed the Jordan River. Rev. Rick Jones, Chaplain and Vice President of Spiritual Life at the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch in Minot, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 32:1-42. "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 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

The LORD commands His people to bring His vengeance upon the idolatry of Midian, by which Midian had led Israel into idolatry. Zealous Phineas, who previously has stopped the idolatrous worship, leads Israel in this battle, serving as a reminder that the LORD is the One who fights and wins for His people. Israel puts to death the five kings of Midian and the false prophet Balaam; eventually, they fulfill the LORD’s command completely after an angry reminder from Moses. When the Israelite commanders count their men after the battle, none of the soldiers are missing. This account highlights the reality that idolatry leads only to death and faith in the LORD leads only to life. Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 31:1-54. "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 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

Moses gives Israel instructions concerning vows. As the LORD does according to His Word, so the LORD’s people also should do according to their word. The provisions for men and women making vows serve two purposes. First, the LORD’s commands are given priority and govern what His people might vow. Second, the vows of an individual are not to undercut the structure God has given within a family. In these ways, God upholds His order among His people for their good. Rev. James Helms, Jr., pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Greenbelt, MD, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 30:1-16. "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 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

The LORD continues to give His people instructions for their life of worship when they get to the Promised Land. This chapter turns their attention to the festivals in the second half of Israel’s religious calendar. The Feast of Trumpets was a harvest celebration that marked the beginning of these holy days. The Day of Atonement was a central observance, as the LORD provided for the sins of His people to be taken away and for His righteousness to cover His people. The Feast of Booths was a grand celebration to conclude the festivals of Israel, as they rejoiced over God’s care for them during their wilderness wanderings. Each of these feasts points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 29:1-40. "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 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

The LORD instructs His people concerning their life of worship when they get into the Promised Land. He gives them daily sacrifices as a foundation for His grace among them. He adds grace to grace by giving further weekly sacrifices every Sabbath day. At the beginning of every month, the LORD gives more grace through additional sacrifices. In this way, the LORD orders His people’s calendar around His gifts. This chapter also describes two festivals at the beginning of Israel’s religious calendar: the Passover and Pentecost. Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor emeritus active at First Lutheran Church in Birmingham, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 28:1-31. "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 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

The new generation of Israelites who will enter the Promised Land begins to show itself faithful to the LORD’s Word. The daughters of Zelophehad know what the LORD has promised concerning the land as the family’s inheritance, and so they approach Moses in faith with a question about what will happen in their family, since their father has no sons. Moses takes the question to the LORD, and the LORD responds graciously by providing for a family’s inheritance to be passed down through the daughters. Knowing that Moses is soon to die, the LORD provides Joshua as the next leader for His people. Moses’ prayer that the LORD would give Israel a faithful shepherd is finally answered in the greater Joshua, our Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 27:1-23. "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 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

The old generation of those Israelites who refused to go into the Promised Land has now died, and the new generation of those Israelites who were younger than twenty years old stands ready to enter the LORD’s inheritance. Because Aaron has already died, Eleazar assists Moses in taking this second census. Whereas the first census in Numbers focused on the number of Israelites ready for war, this second census focuses on the reality of God’s gift of the Promised Land as His people’s inheritance. Various asides throughout the census highlight both the people’s failures and the LORD’s faithfulness to Israel, thus encouraging this new generation to hold fast to the LORD’s promises. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 26:1-65. "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 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

Although Balaam was unable to get the LORD to curse Israel, the false prophet finds success in getting Israel to curse itself. By engaging in adulterous acts with the idolatrous daughters of Moab, the people Israel join themselves to the idolatrous worship of Baal of Peor. The LORD’s wrath against His rebellious people is swift; He sends a plague against them. Yet Phineas, the son of Eleazar the priest, shares the LORD’s zeal against this idolatry and puts a stop to it. For this intercession, the LORD halts the plague against Israel and gives a covenant of peace to Phineas and his descendants. Phineas’ work for Israel foreshadows the zeal, intercession, and atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 25:1-18. "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 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

The Word of the LORD continues to speak through Balaam for blessing upon Israel rather than curses. Neither the evil intentions of the false prophet or the pagan king will stop God from being present for His own people for their good. Balak grows angrier at Balaam, and yet the LORD continues to speak. He gives His Word to Balaam so that even this false prophet speaks truly concerning the coming of the Christ, the star that comes from Jacob and the scepter that rises out of Israel. Through the coming Christ, the LORD will reign as King now and forever. Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in La Grange, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 24:1-25. "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 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

Balaam instructs Balak to prepare seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams in preparation for a word from God. Although Balak has paid Balaam to curse Israel, the LORD’s first word to Balaam is one of blessing over His people. Balak protests, but he has Balaam move to a different spot with a different view over Israel, hoping that this will allow Balaam to curse Israel. God foils the plots of both men yet again, as His Word of blessing grows even firmer. The LORD has not lied about His blessing for Israel. Rev. Ben Dose, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona, IA and St. John Lutheran Church in Burt, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 23:1-30. "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 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