Sharper Iron — God's Word is Our Great Heritage - Psalm 119:73-80: The Mutual Consolation of the Brethren

In the tenth stanza of Psalm 119, we look to the One who created us for understanding from His Word. His steadfast love and mercy come to us to comfort us, to fill us with delight, and to give us life. When the insolent speak lies to their shame, the people of God speak His Word to each other so that they are not put to shame.

Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:73-80.

“God’s Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

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 119:73-80

Yodh

⁷³Your hands have made and fashioned me;
    give me understanding that I may learn your commandments.
⁷⁴Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice,
    because I have hoped in your word.
⁷⁵I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous,
    and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.
⁷⁶Let your steadfast love comfort me
    according to your promise to your servant.
⁷⁷Let your mercy come to me, that I may live;
    for your law is my delight.
⁷⁸Let the insolent be put to shame,
    because they have wronged me with falsehood;
    as for me, I will meditate on your precepts.
⁷⁹Let those who fear you turn to me,
    that they may know your testimonies.
⁸⁰May my heart be blameless in your statutes,
    that I may not be put to shame!

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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).