Sharper Iron — God's Word is Our Great Heritage - Psalm 119:169-176: The Shepherd Seeks His Sheep

In the final stanza of Psalm 119, we place before God’s face our desperate need so that He will give us understanding and deliverance according to His promise. In response, our mouths open to sing and chant back to God what He has first said to us. We long for His salvation, knowing that apart from Jesus, we are sheep doomed to destruction. We pray in confidence that He is our Good Shepherd who seeks and saves us.

Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders, president of the Iowa District East of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:169-176.

“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 119:169-176

Taw

¹⁶⁹Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word!
¹⁷⁰Let my plea come before you;
    deliver me according to your word.
¹⁷¹My lips will pour forth praise,
    for you teach me your statutes.
¹⁷²My tongue will sing of your word,
    for all your commandments are right.
¹⁷³Let your hand be ready to help me,
    for I have chosen your precepts.
¹⁷⁴I long for your salvation, O Lord,
    and your law is my delight.
¹⁷⁵Let my soul live and praise you,
    and let your rules help me.
¹⁷⁶I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant,
    for I do not forget your commandments.

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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).