Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Rev. Dustin Beck of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 2:13-22.The birth narrative continues with the LORD’s intervention to keep the holy family safe and to fulfill prophecies of His identity as the “perfect Israel.” Israel had left Egypt into the wilderness and failed. Jesus, true God and man, begins His journey and we see how His kingdom would reign. The example of Herod is the antithesis of Jesus’ reign: seeking power by bringing death. As we know Jesus used His power to die for other people’s salvation. “Lord God, we grieve the loss of the boys of Bethlehem. In this grief we have hope as Jesus faced the same fate. Thank You that You used Your power for the sake of salvation for sinners. As our perfect Israel, carry us and continue to save us. In Him, Amen”

Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church & School in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 2:1-12.The Magi were outside the normal expectation. They were from an unbelieving, Gentile land who were looking for the King of the Jews. The LORD used this time to proclaim the truth of where Christ was born, the true King. We are reminded that, due to sin, we are foreigners to God and by His grace He welcomes us to come and worship the King of Kings who has welcomed us into His kingdom. “Lord God, be our Light as the star was for the Magi. Fill us with the same joy of our salvation in Christ and intervene for us that we may be directed in Your way. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Jason Shockman, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Matthew 1.What are the origins of Christ? Matthew lays out his goal to show the kingly rule of Christ by showing that He came from royalty. But his kingly rule was not of lording over people, but we see his compassion by highlighting the inclusion of “outsider women” (Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, & Bathsheba). We see how God’s plan is clearly not ours. Joseph was going to do the “faithful” thing by not putting her to shame, but God’s plan of salvation includes His way of faithfulness. By faith, we trust in His story of Christ, when our story doesn’t make sense as we know that our God is always with us—our Immanuel. “Lord God, help us to trust in Your story of compassion, power, and love. Fill us with Your compassion, strength, and love by Your Holy Spirit to live by faith like Joseph as we travel through these valley of tears. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Gibbs, professor emeritus of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, and author of the three Concordia Commentary volumes on Matthew, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to introduce the Gospel of Matthew. Find the Commentaries on Matthew at cph.org.Christ’s Reign has come. Christ’s reign continues. His reign is coming. His mercy is beyond our understanding as we commit sins. Since He is the king, we are not. Since He is strong, I am weak. He is the greatest, therefore we are needy. We begin our study of Matthew seeing how our Lord Jesus’ mercy is beyond our comprehension and we simply receive the grace He gives. “Lord God, give us Your Holy Spirit to read, mark, and inwardly digest the gift of Matthew’s Gospel to grow in Christ and for the comfort of our souls. In Him, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Jason Wagner, pastor of Hope Lutheran Church in High Ridge, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 135.Boast in the LORD? The Psalmist literally tells us that we boast, not in ourselves, but in the work of God in the past and His work today. Why should we praise Him? He is great. He has defeated his enemies. He is above everything. He controls heaven and earth. He has compassion on His people. He brings justice for His people. How can we not boast in the LORD? “O Holy Spirit, open our hearts to believe the truth of the LORD in Christ. Keep us from idolatry and strengthen us to trust in You to boast in You forever. In His name, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Song of Songs 8.The Shulamite and Solomon give the last words of love. The LORD’s love brings His protection, guidance, and bearing fruit in love to others. The bride yearned to have her husband put his seal on her and make haste to return. In the same way the LORD puts his seal of grace upon us in Baptism, and promises to return to us at His time. All we can say is, “Come quickly, come Lord Jesus (Revelation 22:17, 20).” “Lord Jesus Christ, come quickly. You have placed Your seal upon us, Your right hand protect us, and we wait on You. Come quickly! Amen”

Rev. David Boisclair, pastor of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Song of Songs 7.Solomon expresses his deep love for the Shulamite by highlighting her beauty from head to toe. The desire to be together was beyond emotions but the beauty of the consummation of marriage. This desire to be united as one reminds us of the mystery of our unity in Christ. Christ gives himself up for His bride, the church, and presents her as without spot or wrinkle. “Lord God, You desire all to be saved, thank You for the words of Solomon and the Shulamite that paints a beautiful picture of the depth of Your love for us in Christ. Bless all marriages that their desire would be for one another and their lives are grounded in Christ. Amen”

Rev. Dr. Allan Buss, District President of the Northern Illinois District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Song of Songs 6.Solomon and the Shulamite woman desire to be together. The others call them back together and we hear the yearning of this couple to be united as one. The same happens with our life in Christ. We are united with Him, waiting for the final resurrection, but knowing that “I am His and He is mine.” “Lord Jesus, as You unite us with You, strengthen and grow us in faith to trust in You and have joy in Your love. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. David Fleming, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI & Executive Director of Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Song of Songs 5. Learn more about DOXOLOGY at doxology.us.The Shulamite woman praises her husband, although she has moments of apathy, it is Solomon she desires. She realizes there is none like him and he loves her as she loves him. The same connection we have with our LORD. We might become apathetic in faith, but our LORD is above all names, not only the LORD, but also our friend. “Lord Jesus Christ, You are the vine and we are the branches. You call us friends on account of Your cross. You delight in us, help us to delight in Your gifts of grace and love. In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Stewart Crown, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, CA joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Song of Songs 4.The Shulamite woman knows she is not perfect. Solomon speaks to her and pulls her into his framework by proclaiming what he knows to be true—She is beautiful from head to toe. Solomon not only proclaims her beauty but provides all the most expensive fruits, spices, & fragrances to show His deep love for her. Today, the LORD gives us the words and we see His action to the cross, that shape our identity as His forgiven children—we are washed clean and beautiful in His blood. “O Holy Spirit, use the Word to fill us with our identity in Christ as with Him we are declared beautiful in His righteousness. Fill us with Your words that we may live securely in Your loving grace. In His name, Amen”