Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Job has had enough of his friends’ empty words. In Job 26, he shifts his focus from their bad theology to the majesty of God, describing His power over creation in a speech that reminds us how little we truly understand of His ways. Then, in Job 27, Job boldly declares that he will not deny his integrity, refusing to accept their claim that his suffering proves his guilt. Is Job being defiant, or is this a statement of unwavering faith? And what does it mean to trust in God’s righteousness when everything seems lost?  The Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse, pastor of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tucson, AZ, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 26-27.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately findin

We’ve heard Job wrestle with the same agonizing question over and over—why do the wicked seem to thrive while the righteous suffer? Now, he takes it a step further, listing out injustice after injustice—oppression, corruption, violence—seemingly unchecked by God. Then Bildad chimes in with the shortest speech in the book, but don’t let its brevity fool you. He doubles down on humanity’s insignificance before God’s majesty—true enough but still missing the point. As we press forward, is Job any closer to an answer? Is God turning a blind eye, or is something bigger at play?  The Rev. Tyler Hauptmeier, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Doniphan, NE, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 24-25.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with

There’s an old saying: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” But what if the one who seems absent is God? Job has lost everything—his wealth, his health, his family, his reputation—and now, in Job 23, he wrestles with an even deeper loss: the seeming absence of God Himself. He searches in every direction—north, south, east, west—but the Lord is nowhere to be found. And yet, Job clings to faith. He doesn’t deny God’s justice or power, but he longs for an audience with his Creator, a chance to plead his case.  The Rev. Ryan Kleimola, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Toledo, OH, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 23.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s gr

It is said that desperate times call for desperate measures, but sometimes, in the heat of the moment, those measures can be downright cruel. We’ve seen Job’s so-called friends escalate their attacks, but today, Eliphaz stops pulling punches altogether. In fact, Eliphaz goes so far as to fabricate sins that Job never committed. Oppressing the poor? Withholding food and water from the needy? Sounds like a cheap shot from a man running out of theological arguments. But here’s a deeper question: Why do we, like Eliphaz, rush to explain suffering with neat and tidy answers? Why do we prefer blaming the victim instead of sitting with the mystery of God’s ways?  The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Fort Myers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 22.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man endu

What happens when the wicked prosper? When those who mock God build empires, live in luxury, and die in peace, while the faithful struggle and suffer? What do we do when life, and even the concepts of fairness and justice refuse to fit into the neat little boxes we’ve constructed for them? That’s exactly what Job takes up in chapter 21. After enduring yet another round of “Job, you must have done something to deserve this,” he finally pushes back—hard. He challenges the shallow theology of his friends, forcing us to wrestle with the reality that, in this life, the wicked often flourish while the righteous weep.  The Rev. John Lukomski, co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 21. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/WrestlingWithTheBasics.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just

There’s a certain kind of rage that comes from feeling like justice has been denied. We see it in the world today—outrage over corruption, frustration when the wicked seem to prosper, and the deep longing for wrongs to be made right. But what happens when that thirst for justice turns into self-righteous fury? That’s where we find Zophar in Job 20. He’s not interested in nuance. He’s not here to comfort Job. He’s here to deliver a scathing sermon on the inevitable downfall of the wicked. But is Zophar right? Do the wicked always suffer in this life? Does God’s justice operate on a simple “you sin, you suffer” timeline? And what happens when our desire for retribution makes us blind to the suffering of another?  The Rev. Dr. Vernon Wendt, intentional interim pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Steger, IL and St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Chicago Heights, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 20.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of

"He opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God..." (2 Thessalonians 2:4). For centuries, these words have ignited fierce debate—who is this figure, this Man of Lawlessness? The Reformers had no doubt: the papacy itself bore the mark of Antichrist, not because of personal corruption, but because it placed human authority above the gospel of Christ. Lutherans continue to confess this today, but do we fully understand the implications of this doctrine? Is the Antichrist a single, future tyrant, a system of deception, or something far more subtle—an enemy of Christ present in every age? Perhaps it’s all of the above.   Rev. Dr. Charles A. Gieschen, provost and professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to discuss the doctrine of Antichrist.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Lu

Put yourself in Job’s place. You’ve lost everything—your family, your home, your health. Your so-called friends surround you, not with comfort, but with accusations. And worst of all, you feel like even God has turned against you. That’s where we find Job in chapter 19. He’s feeling battered, abandoned, and accused. Yet in the middle of his suffering, he delivers one of the most powerful declarations of faith in all of Scripture: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” How does Job go from despair to hope in the span of one chapter? And what does his bold confession teach us about suffering, redemption, and the God who never abandons His people?  The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 19.   Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about w

Have you ever poured out your heart to someone, only to be met with cold logic or worse—condescension? You’re searching for hope, but instead of compassion, you get a lecture. That’s exactly where we find Job in chapter 17. He’s worn down, clinging to whatever shred of hope he can find, but his so-called friends? They’re doubling down. Bildad steps up in chapter 18, and instead of offering comfort, he lashes out—painting Job’s suffering as the inevitable fate of the wicked. No grace, no mercy, just more accusations. But is Job really without hope? And why do his friends insist on seeing suffering as proof of sin?  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 17 and 18.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s abo

Job has heard enough. Speech after speech, his so-called friends have offered their wisdom—accusing, correcting, assuming they understand his suffering better than he does. But in Job 16, he fires back with words that cut through their empty comfort:" Miserable comforters are you all." He doesn’t just reject their advice—he exposes their failure. Instead of bringing relief, they’ve only deepened his pain. And as Job turns his focus back to God, his words take on a new tone. He sees himself as crushed, attacked, even hunted by the very One he longs to trust. He speculates that God must hate him, but amid his agony, a flicker of hope remains.  The Rev. Robert Moeller, Jr., pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Britton, SD and St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Ferney, SD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 16.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s s

Job has spoken his mind. He has challenged his friends, questioned their wisdom, and even dared to press God for answers. But now, Eliphaz steps back in—and he’s had enough. The gloves come off. No more soft words, no more attempts at gentle correction. Eliphaz calls Job arrogant, accuses him of undermining true wisdom, and doubles down on the old argument: The wicked suffer, Job. So, if you’re suffering you must be wicked. It’s logical, but is Eliphaz defending God, or just defending his own faulty beliefs?    The Rev. Paul Cain, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Sheridan, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 15.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s gr

There comes a point when suffering hardens into resolve. Job has reached it. He’s done entertaining the shallow wisdom of his friends, done listening to their misguided attempts to defend God at his expense. He turns to them with cutting words: “You are worthless physicians, all of you.” He doesn’t just reject their counsel—he calls them out as frauds. Then, he does something even bolder. He shifts his focus to God, he demands an audience, insisting on answers to this perceived injustice. But as the chapter unfolds, Job’s defiance gives way to something deeper—an aching reflection on the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the nagging question with which all men must wrestle: Is there any hope beyond the grave?    The Rev. Jared Nies, Senior Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church and School in Lapeer, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 13 and 14.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all

There’s a kind of confidence that comes easy when you’re not the one suffering. Zophar has it—bold, unwavering, and a little smug. He tells Job that God is beyond his understanding, that Job’s suffering is deserved, and that, frankly, he should be grateful it isn’t worse. But Job isn’t buying it. He fires back, dripping with sarcasm: “Oh, you guys are so wise. If you died, wisdom itself would perish from the earth.” Then, he points to creation itself—birds, beasts, and even the fish in the sea—to make his case: God’s power is absolute, but that doesn’t mean Zophar understands it any better than he does.  The Rev. Jim Daub, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Havelock, NC, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 10 and 11.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with Go

We live in a world obsessed with "fairness." We demand justice, equity, a balance scale where everyone gets what they think they deserve. But what if God actually gave us what we deserved?  What if He held us to the standard of His perfect law? Job, overwhelmed by suffering, continues to cry out in today's passage, "He is not a man like me that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together." He knows he can't stand before a holy God and plead his case.  Could it be that our obsession with "fairness" blinds us to the reality of our own sin and the depth of God's mercy?  The Rev. Matthew Wurm, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 9:23-10:22.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, gra

Some people speak with such certainty that it’s almost intimidating. How can anyone be so sure, so confident, and so…wrong. That’s Bildad. He’s convinced he knows how God works: “If you’re suffering, it must be your fault. Repent, and everything will go back to normal.” It’s a tempting way to think—simple, neat, and entirely misguided. But Job pushes back. He doesn’t deny God’s justice, but he questions how anyone—especially someone so broken—can stand before a holy and powerful God.    The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 8 and 9. Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather tha

Job poetically expresses his deep despair and frustration as he compares his life to a forced labor sentence and his days to a long, agonizing night. He feels abandoned by God and questions why he must endure such relentless suffering. Will Job find any solace? Or will his pleas for relief go unanswered?  The Rev. Dennis McFadden, assistant pastor at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. David Boisclair, guest host, to study Job 7.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather than human understanding. As Job’s friends offer simplistic answers, Job demands the truth, and God’s response reminds us of His infinite wisdom and mercy. Through it

There’s a weight to suffering that words can’t always lift. When the pain runs deep, advice—no matter how well-intentioned—can feel empty. That’s where we find Job in chapter 6. He’s had enough of Eliphaz’s wisdom, enough of empty platitudes, and enough of trying to make sense of his suffering with neat little answers. Instead of giving in, Job speaks from the depths of his anguish, longing for real understanding, and maybe, just maybe, a little compassion.  The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 6.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather than human understanding. As Job’s fri

Have you ever noticed how easy it is to hand out advice when you're not the one suffering? It's one thing to talk about God's justice from the comfort of your own life, but it's another when you're the one in the ashes. Eliphaz continues his advice that began in the previous chapter. He thinks he's offering Job wisdom—trust God's discipline, endure hardship, and everything will work out. But is he really seeing the whole picture? Or is he just repeating what sounds good?  The Rev. Jacob Heine, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Topeka, KS, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 5.  Why do the righteous suffer? That’s the burning question at the heart of the book of Job—one of the most profound and challenging books in all of Scripture. From a Lutheran perspective, Job’s story isn’t just about a man enduring unimaginable hardship; it’s about wrestling with God’s will, grappling with well-meaning but misguided advice, and ultimately finding comfort in God’s grace rather than human understanding. As Job

Ever had a friend who, with the best intentions, just completely missed the mark? You’re pouring out your heart, and they hit you with, “well, everything happens for a reason”—yeah, thanks for that. When we face suffering, well-meaning friends often try to offer wisdom—sometimes helpful, sometimes not so much. In Job 4, Eliphaz steps forward with what he believes is sound advice, drawing from his own experience and understanding of God's justice. But does his counsel bring clarity, or does it miss the deeper reality of Job’s suffering?  The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 4.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in th

In one of Scripture's most emotionally raw passages, we witness the moment when Job's legendary patience transforms into profound lament. His words don't just express grief; they paint a poetic masterpiece of suffering, where darkness battles light, where the peace of death seems sweeter than the torment of life, and where the fundamental question of human existence hangs heavy in the air: Why was I born to suffer?  The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 3.  Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.