Sharper Iron — Time in the Psalms: Deliverance from Lying Lips

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 120.

Psalm 120 is the first of the psalms of ascent; these perhaps were used by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of the feasts that the LORD gave to His people. As the psalmist has received the LORD’s deliverance in the past, so he cries out again for rescue from lies. A tongue that spreads such lies deserves only judgment from the LORD. The psalmist recognizes that he has been dwelling for too long among those who love such lies, and he longs for the peace that comes from dwelling once more in the house of the LORD.

Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected 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.

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.

Psalm 120

Deliver Me, O Lord

A Song of Ascents.

120 In my distress I called to the Lord,
    and he answered me.
²Deliver me, O Lord,
    from lying lips,
    from a deceitful tongue.

³What shall be given to you,
    and what more shall be done to you,
    you deceitful tongue?
⁴A warrior’s sharp arrows,
    with glowing coals of the broom tree!

⁵Woe to me, that I sojourn in Meshech,
    that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!
⁶Too long have I had my dwelling
    among those who hate peace.
⁷I am for peace,
    but when I speak, they are for war!

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).