Sharper Iron — Advent with the Prophets: Salvation in the Sign of Immanuel

Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 7:10-17.

Although Ahaz was one of the most wicked kings in the history of Judah, the LORD is gracious and merciful in speaking to him through the prophet Isaiah. Not once, but twice the LORD sends Isaiah to Ahaz with the promise of deliverance from his enemies apart from any political machinations. Ahaz may sound pious in refusing to ask the LORD for a sign, but his unbelief is actually quite diabolical. The LORD’s rebuke is swift and harsh, but He still gives a sign. He gives the sign of the promised Christ, a Son miraculously born to a virgin who is God with us. This is ultimately the promise Ahaz has failed to believe, the promise by which God will finally and fully save His people.

“Advent with the Prophets” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Old Testament readings appointed for the season of Advent. This holy season of repentance focuses our attention on Christ’s coming. As we spend time hearing the words of the prophets, the saints who waited patiently in the years before Christ’s coming in the flesh at Christmas, we too are prepared to receive Christ now in His Word and Sacrament, even as we wait for Him to come again in glory.

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.

Isaiah 7:10-17

The Sign of Immanuel

¹⁰Again the Lord spoke to Ahaz: ¹¹“Ask a sign of the Lord your^[a] God; let it be deep as Sheol or high as heaven.” ¹²But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, and I will not put the Lord to the test.” ¹³And he^[b] said, “Hear then, O house of David! Is it too little for you to weary men, that you weary my God also? ¹⁴Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.^[c] ¹⁵He shall eat curds and honey when he knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good. ¹⁶For before the boy knows how to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land whose two kings you dread will be deserted. ¹⁷The Lord will bring upon you and upon your people and upon your father’s house such days as have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah—the king of Assyria!”

Footnotes

Isaiah 7:11 The Hebrew for you and your is singular in verses 11, 16, 17
Isaiah 7:13 That is, Isaiah
Isaiah 7:14 Immanuel means God is with us

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).