Sharper Iron — The Day Is Surely Drawing Near: The Oracle against Edom

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at the Northeast Kansas Lutheran Partnership joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Amos 1:11-12.

Amos’ first three oracles against nations are spoken to people and cities farther removed from Israel. With the oracle against Edom, Amos begins to preach to people who are both geographically closer and related to God’s people. The nation of Edom includes the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s older brother. The hostility that existed between Jacob and Esau during their lives as brothers continued throughout the history of their descendants. Notably, the people of Edom came out against the people of Israel and refused them safe passage while they were traveling to the Promised Land under Moses. This incident in Numbers 20 lies behind the oracle against Edom in Amos. Their wickedness toward their blood brothers was unspeakable and continuous, attacking not only the men of Israel, but even showing no mercy toward the women and children. The anger and wrath that Esau had toward Jacob only continued and grew, even after the preaching of Amos toward them. Such preaching calls us to repentance still, lest we too fall into the merciless hatred of our brothers without sharing the forgiveness that Christ has first given to us. None of us are untouchable when it comes to the LORD’s wrath, just as none of us are untouchable when it comes to the LORD’s grace and mercy. Only covered by His forgiving blood will we stand on the Last Day.

“The Day Is Surely Drawing Near” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that digs into the book of Amos. This Old Testament prophet speaks the LORD’s roaring Word in order to call us first to repentance over our idolatry and injustice and second to faith in the Messiah in the line of David, Jesus Christ. Only through faith in Him will we stand forgiven and redeemed on the coming Day of the LORD.

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.

Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.

Amos 1:11-12

¹¹Thus says the Lord:

“For three transgressions of Edom,
    and for four, I will not revoke the punishment,
because he pursued his brother with the sword
    and cast off all pity,
and his anger tore perpetually,
    and he kept his wrath forever.
¹²So I will send a fire upon Teman,
    and it shall devour the strongholds of Bozrah.”

English Standard Version (ESV)

Rev. Timothy Appel

Although a mathematics degree may not be incredibly helpful to (proudly born-and-raised Texan) Rev. Timothy Appel while hosting Sharper Iron, his love of CFW Walther and the season of Easter will come in handy. His Call is shepherding the flock at Faith Lutheran Church in Godfrey, Illinois, and he’s also husband to wife Kristin and dad to their growing basketball team of children. When he’s not carrying out pastoral duties, you may find him reading “The Lord of the Rings,” snacking on Reese’s peanut butter cups, playing dominoes with his boys, or studying up on Texas history (including Sam Houston, of course).