Rev. Andrew Jagow, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Alexandria, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 91. The one true God is Almighty, yet He is not aloof. He is the LORD, the God of His people. He provides refuge for His people from every danger, whether sudden, unseen, or seemingly inevitable. He wins the victory over His people’s enemies as His people look on with thanksgiving and praise. Whether the LORD’s deliverance comes now temporally or in the resurrection eternally, He never fails to keep His promise. He sends His angels for protection and crushes the evil angels who mean us harm. He speaks His Word to us to assure us that His refuge and salvation will remain ours eternally. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Caleb Adams, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Bend, OR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 69. Through David’s afflictions, Psalm 69 gives a vivid description of Jesus’ suffering and death. Even though afflictions threaten to overwhelm him, David still cries out in trust to the LORD. Even though his enemies kick him while he’s down, David still trusts in the LORD to deliver him. He puts the matter of justice in the hands of the LORD and praises God for His coming deliverance. Psalm 69 points us to Christ as the One who suffered God’s wrath in our place to bring us eternal life and salvation. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Clint Poppe, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 47. Joy pervades Psalm 47. All nations are called to rejoice because the God of Israel reigns over all the earth. His kingdom is not like any earthly kingdom; He reigns according to His steadfast love seen most fully at the cross. Jesus’ reign has been made certain by His ascension, which is an occasion for joy for God’s people and all nations. Jesus is the offspring of Abraham through whom all the families of the earth will be blessed. In Christ, God calls Jews and Gentiles to the joy of salvation. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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 Psalm 41. The LORD is the God who considers the poor; those who belong to Him by grace are blessed and formed after Him to show similar compassion to the needy. In his sickness, David cries out to the LORD for such help. David takes the opportunity to confess his sin because he knows full healing can only come from the LORD’s forgiveness. As David waits for the LORD’s deliverance, he cries out as his enemies add insult to injury during his sickness. Even his close friends will not stand by David; they betray him in his need. In this way, Psalm 41 speaks prophetically about Judas’ betrayal of the Lord Jesus. Jesus has felt the deep pain of betrayal; He is our Brother who sympathizes with us in our sufferings. Even in the midst of such enemies, Psalm 41 teaches us to remain confident in the LORD’s deliverance. Blessed be His name forever! Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 31. Because the LORD is a rock, fortress, and refuge, He is the One to whom His people commit themselves. Jesus’ use of this prayer from the cross allows us to commit ourselves to God not only every day of our lives but even in the moment of death. We know that He will raise us on the Last Day. This gives us confidence even when enemies assail us from every side. The LORD has our times in His hands, and He will win the victory over His enemies in His time. Christian faith waits patiently for the LORD, taking courage in the knowledge that He will fulfill His promises. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. David Boisclair, pastor at Bethesda and Faith Lutheran Churches in north St. Louis County, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 24. Psalm 24 may have been composed for the entrance of the ark of the covenant into the tabernacle. The LORD comes to His sanctuary as the Creator, Owner, and Preserver of all things. The one who ascends with Him on His hill is holy both inside and out, having remained free from idolatry. Such righteousness is not our own doing, but it is God’s gift to us through His Son Jesus Christ, who has lived entirely without sin for our sake. Psalm 24 calls upon the gates of the tabernacle to open wide to welcome the LORD as the King of glory. Similarly, the Holy Spirit opens our hearts to receive Jesus as our Savior. We welcome Him with joy, not only now in Word and Sacrament, but especially on the Last Day. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
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 Psalm 22. Psalm 22 is one of the clearest Old Testament depictions of Christ’s suffering and death. The Father’s abandonment, the mockery of the bystanders, the nails through Christ’s hands and feet, and the gambling for Christ’s garments are all foretold. Even as Christ prays Psalm 22 from the cross in His great suffering over the Father’s abandonment, yet Christ also prays in great hope and trust that God will rescue Him. This trust is seen quite clearly in the last part of Psalm 22, where the hope of the resurrection shines brightest. Because Christ was abandoned by the Father on the cross, we have the assurance that Christ’s promise to be with us always is true. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Township, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 16. In Psalm 16, David prays in complete confidence that the LORD will preserve him. Only in the LORD is there any good. He alone is the Giver of all good gifts; idols make demands and give only growing sorrow. With the LORD as our inheritance now and forever, we have true security. In this way we can truly rejoice, for we know what the LORD has done for Jesus. The Father fulfilled His promise and did not let His Son see corruption in the grave, for the Father raised the Son on the third day. In the same way, we know that we will be raised on the Last Day, and so we are filled with joy and pleasures in God’s presence. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield Township, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 16. In Psalm 16, David prays in complete confidence that the LORD will preserve him. Only in the LORD is there any good. He alone is the Giver of all good gifts; idols make demands and give only growing sorrow. With the LORD as our inheritance now and forever, we have true security. In this way we can truly rejoice, for we know what the LORD has done for Jesus. The Father fulfilled His promise and did not let His Son see corruption in the grave, for the Father raised the Son on the third day. In the same way, we know that we will be raised on the Last Day, and so we are filled with joy and pleasures in God’s presence. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rev. Kyle Mietzner, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Anchorage, AK, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 8. Psalm 8 sings praise to the LORD for the majesty of His name throughout all creation. Though surprising to human eyes, the LORD’s strength is seen in the praises of infants. Even in the vastness of His creation, the LORD gives a place of dominion to humanity, that we might care for all of God’s creation in service. Psalm 8 points to the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ, who as Son of God and Son of Man has shown for the true glory and majesty of God’s name. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study several Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.