Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

Now that Jacob has died, Joseph’s brothers worry that Joseph’s forgiveness may vanish, even after so many years. They plead before Joseph, who weeps at their request. Joseph assures them that God has accomplished good even through their intended evil, and Joseph promises that he will care not only for his brothers, but for their children as well. The book of Genesis concludes by recounting Joseph’s death many years later. Even as Joseph dies in Egypt, his prophecy concerning God’s coming deliverance from the land of Egypt concludes Genesis with a note of hope. Rev. Dr. Martin Dressler, pastor at Salem Lutheran Church and School in Black Jack, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 50:15-26. To learn more about Salem Lutheran, visit salembjmo.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Jacob reiterates his command that he be buried in the Promised Land in the same place where his fathers are buried. When Jacob dies, Joseph grieves and provides for his father’s instructions to be followed. The funeral procession from Egypt to the Promised Land is filled with pomp and circumstance, but at its heart, Jacob’s burial confesses the reality of resurrection that the LORD promises to His people. Rev. Peter Ill, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Millstadt, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 49:28-50:14. To learn more about Trinity in Millstadt, visit trinitymillstadt.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Before he dies, Jacob gathers his twelve sons to him to bless them by speaking prophetically concerning the days to come for each of his sons and their descendants. He speaks first to the sons of Leah, then to the sons of the maidservants, and finally to the sons of Rachel. The first three sons of Jacob hear words that recount former sins. Through the fourth son, Judah, the line of the Christ will continue by God’s grace. Many of the sons hear words that prove true geographically in the history of Israel. To Joseph especially Jacob reserves words of great favor and love. The prayer that Jacob includes right in the middle expresses his faith: “I wait for your salvation, O LORD.” Rev. James Uglum, pastor at Chapel of the Cross Lutheran Church in St. Peter's, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 49:1-27. To learn more about Chapel of the Cross, visit chapelofthecrosslutheran.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

When Joseph learns that his father is near death, he takes his sons with him to receive a blessing from Jacob. In thanksgiving to what God has done for him, Jacob adopts Joseph’s two sons as his own. Although Joseph arranged his sons so that the older would be blessed at Jacob’s right and the younger at Jacob’s left, Jacob crossed his hands to bless the younger over the older. Jacob’s blessing is efficacious, and Ephraim becomes one of the most prominent tribes in the nation of Israel, even over the descendants of his older brother Manasseh. Rev. Merritt Demski, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church--Hannover in Alta, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 48:1-22. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnhanover.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

As the famine continues into the third year and beyond, even the residents of Egypt begin to run out of the food that they had stored for themselves. Through a series of stages, Joseph receives their livestock, their land, and their service into the possession of Pharaoh so that he can provide food for Egypt and keep the nation from death. Even as Egypt suffers during the famine, the family of Israel multiplies in Goshen. After living in Egypt seventeen years, Jacob prepares for his death by making Joseph swear to bury him in the same tomb as his fathers. Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 47:13-31. To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Lutheran Churches, visit belccrawford.org and relcharrison.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

After twenty years apart, the reunion of Jacob and Joseph overflows with joy. Joseph prepares his family to go before Pharaoh’s court so that his family will receive the blessing of dwelling in the land of Goshen. Pharaoh welcomes the family of Israel into the land of Egypt, even granting to them the best of the land. As Jacob stands before Pharaoh, Jacob confesses the reality of life in this world plagued by sin, yet he is also not without the hope of faith in the true God. Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 46:28-47:12. To learn more about Calvary Lutheran, visit calvarymechanicsburg.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

When Jacob’s sons arrive back in Canaan, his heart is understandably numb and unbelieving to hear that Joseph is still alive. Yet the repentant testimony of his sons revives his spirit, and Jacob rejoices that he will go to Egypt to see Joseph before he dies. God Himself comes to Jacob to encourage him in this course of action. God renews His promise to make Jacob into a great nation, to be with Jacob as he travels to Egypt, and to bring Jacob back. In that confidence, Jacob takes his family to Egypt. The growing family is relatively small at this point, but God will be faithful to multiply His people even in a foreign land and to bring them back to the Promised Land. Rev. Andy Wright, pastor at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 45:25-46:27. To learn more about St. John's in Topeka, visit stjohnlcmstopeka.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Joseph’s emotions overcome him upon seeing his brothers’ repentance. He sends the Egyptians out of the room as he reveals his true identity to his brothers. In an account that anticipates Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances, Joseph tells his brothers that God has been at work to send him to Egypt ahead of time to preserve life. After the initial shock, the joy of reconciliation and reunion overflows among all twelve brothers. Pharaoh instructs Joseph to bring his father and his family to settle in Egypt, and the sons of Israel return to Canaan to bring their father and all the household to Egypt. Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 45:1-24. To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitylutheranottumwa.com. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Once Joseph’s brothers have departed homeward, he sends his steward after them to confront them about the silver cup he has placed in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers’ ignorance quickly turns to grief upon realizing that Benjamin has been implicated. Where they had once abandoned Joseph to slavery, they now turn back to Egypt with Benjamin. Judah’s confession before Joseph reveals true repentance, as the brothers realize they cannot clear themselves. Judah pleads with Joseph for the sake of his father and Benjamin. Judah shows the true love of a brother and provides a picture of the love of Christ for sinners. Rev. Sean Daenzer, director of worship for The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and chaplain at the International Center in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 44:3-34. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

When Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt with Benjamin, Joseph invites them to his house. In their guilty conscience over Joseph, they are afraid and plead with Joseph’s steward that they are innocent regarding the money in their sacks. The steward comforts them with good news of their God, and Joseph comes into the house for the feast. His emotion overcomes him upon seeing his brother Benjamin, who receives the greatest portion of food. As Joseph’s brothers prepare for their homeward journey, Joseph instructs his steward to implement one last test. Rev. Sam Wirgau, pastor at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ossian, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 43:16-44:2. To learn more about Bethlehem Lutheran, visit bethlehemossian.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

When the nine sons of Jacob return to Canaan, they soften the story of what happened in Egypt such that Simeon is no longer with them. Upon discovering that all the money has been placed back in the sacks, Jacob notes all that his sons have taken away from him. Reuben makes a misguided offer to give his sons in place of Benjamin, and Jacob puts the matter to rest until the matter of hunger comes up once more. This time, Judah speaks to his father and offers himself as pledge and protection for Benjamin, who must go to Egypt. Jacob reluctantly agrees, placing the matter in the hands of God Almighty. Rev. Matt Ulmer, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church—Friedheim, just outside Decatur, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 42:29-43:15. To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit zionfriedheim.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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 worldwide famine affects the family of Jacob in Canaan, so he sends nine of his sons to Egypt to buy grain. When they arrive, they bow before Joseph in fulfillment of Joseph’s dreams. Although they do not recognize their brother, Joseph does recognize them. He begins to put them to the test, accusing them of spying out the land. They reveal their guilty consciences concerning Joseph, who understands them even though they do not realize it. Joseph demands that Simeon stay in Egypt in prison and that the youngest brother accompany the rest the next time they come to Egypt. Even as Joseph shows the brothers mercy as they go back home, the brothers’ guilty conscience remains. Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 42:1-28. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelroswell.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Even pagan Pharaoh recognizes divine blessing upon Joseph, so Pharaoh commands that Joseph be placed as second over all the land of Egypt to implement his plan for the coming plenty and famine. At the age of thirty, Joseph receives an Egyptian name and an Egyptian wife. The seven years of agricultural abundance are also a time of family abundance for Joseph, to whom is born two sons. The seven years of famine come, just as Joseph had said, and Joseph begins to sell grain not only to the Egyptians, but to people from all over the world who are experiencing the same severe famine. Rev. Charles St-Onge, pastor at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pembroke, Ontario, Canda, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 41:37-57. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Pharaoh dreams twice in a row. First, he sees seven well-fed cows devoured by seven starving cows. Second, he sees seven plump ears of grain swallowed by seven blighted ears of grain. When no one can interpret the dreams for troubled Pharaoh, the cupbearer finally remembers Joseph. Joseph is brought out of prison to come before Pharaoh. In humility, Joseph acknowledges that God is the One to provide the interpretation of the two dreams, which both have the same meaning. Seven years of plenty will be followed by seven years of famine, and so Joseph suggests that food be stored now so the land will not perish during the famine. Rev. Jeremy Swem, pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 41:1-36. To learn more about Our Savior, visit oursavior-gr.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

While in prison, Joseph gains two fellow cellmates, Pharaoh’s chief cupbearer and baker. Joseph takes seriously his vocation of caring for these men, particularly after they each have dreams that trouble them. Joseph tells the men that the interpretations belong to God and listens to each man in turn. The cupbearer’s dream reveals that he will be restored to his position, while the baker’s dream reveals that he will be executed. Three days later, these things came to pass, as Joseph had said. However, the cupbearer forgot what he had promised Joseph, and so Joseph remained in prison for two more years. Rev. Andrew Belt, pastor at Christ Lutheran Church in Marshfield, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 40:1-23. To learn more about Christ Lutheran, visit christmarshfield.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Even as Joseph serves as a slave in the house of an Egyptian official, the LORD remains with him and brings him success. Joseph’s faithfulness to the LORD blesses Potiphar, who puts Joseph in charge of the household. Joseph remains faithful to God even when Potiphar’s wife tempts him to adultery. Her jealousy leads her to deceive her husband, who believes her false accusation against Joseph. Even as Joseph is sent to Egyptian prison, the LORD continues to be with Joseph and grant him success. Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 39:1-23. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit graceelgin.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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 the end of Genesis largely tells the story of Joseph, the line of the Christ goes through a different son of Jacob: Judah. When his first two sons are put to death by the LORD without having any children, Judah does not give his third son in marriage to his daughter-in-law Tamar. Undeterred by Judah’s inaction, Tamar accomplishes her plan to conceive a child in cunning fashion. Her father-in-law is ignorant of what she has done until she reveals that he is the father of her twin children. Although the account is full of mankind’s sin, the LORD works to preserve the line of the Savior, who comes precisely for sinners like Judah and like us. Rev. Ned Moerbe, pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and School in Houston, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 38:1-30. To learn more about Memorial Lutheran, visit mlchouston.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

When Jacob sent Joseph to check on his brothers in Shechem, Joseph eventually found them in a different place. The brothers saw Joseph well before he arrived, and so they plotted to kill him. Reuben, seeking to get back into his father’s good graces, convinced his other brothers only to throw Joseph into a pit. As traveling traders passed by, Judah suggested that they sell their own brother into slavery. They covered up their evil deed by covering Joseph’s robe with goat’s blood so that their father would think Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. While Joseph’s brothers worked evil, however, the LORD was working for good as He sent Joseph to Potiphar’s house in Egypt. Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Williamsburg, VA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 37:12-36. To learn more about King of Glory, visit kogva.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Jacob’s favoritism for his wife Rachel leads to his favoritism for Joseph. The gift of a beautiful robe to Joseph only exacerbates the growing hatred that Jacob’s other sons have for Joseph. Even if Joseph had no ill intent, Joseph himself doesn’t help that hatred when he reveals his two dreams that showed his family subservient to him. Although the family dynamics are strained, the beginning text of the story of Joseph begins to reveal that this will be another time when God is at work for the good of His people. Rev. Matt Wietfeldt, Assistant Vice President of Admissions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 37:1-11. To learn more about CTSFW, visit ctsfw.edu. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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

Life in Canaan for Jacob’s family continues to be plagued by sin as Reuben violates the concubine of his father’s favorite wife in the aftermath of Rachel’s death. The listing of Jacob’s twelve sons highlights God’s faithfulness to His promise to make this family into a great nation. Isaac’s death is a reminder of the consequence of sin, even as his two sons come together for his burial. As Esau’s role in the narrative is over, Moses records generations of Esau’s descendants because the nation of Edom interacted with Israel regularly. Although the line of the Christ does not go through Esau, his family record reminds us that the Christ is for all people. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Genesis 35:22-36:43. To learn more about Immanuel in St. Ansgar, visit immanuelsta.org. “In the Beginning” is a series on Sharper Iron that studies Genesis. The first book of Moses sets the stage for God’s entire story of salvation. As we learn the beginning of the story, God prepares us to receive the fulfillment of the story: Jesus Christ, the Offspring of the woman who has crushed our enemy’s head. 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