Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio

Have you ever watched a wild animal in its element—completely free, completely untamed? A mountain goat giving birth on the cliffs, far from human sight. A wild ox, powerful and stubborn. A war horse, fearless in battle, charging into the fray without hesitation. Who teaches them to live this way? Who gives them their strength, their instincts, their wild beauty? In Job 39, God continues His speech from the whirlwind, taking Job on a tour of the natural world—not the parts that are tamed and domesticated, but the creatures that answer only to Him. The message is clear: The world does not need Job’s wisdom to run. It is already in the hands of its Creator. The Rev. Charles St. Onge, LCMS Missionary pastor to Ascension Lutheran Church in Montreal, Quebec, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 39. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

The storm is here. Elihu has been building to this moment—his words have been thundering like distant rumblings in the sky, but now the storm arrives in full force. As Job 37 begins, Elihu stands in awe of God's power. His voice trembles as he describes the raw majesty of the Almighty with lightning splitting the sky, thunder shaking the earth, and the breath of God turning rain into ice. This is no distant, detached deity. This is the God who speaks through the whirlwind, the God Job has been demanding an audience with. And Elihu knows when God finally answers, no one will stand unmoved. The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 37. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

Imagine standing at the foot of a mountain as a storm gathers overhead. The sky darkens, thunder rumbles in the distance, and a mighty wind begins to howl. You feel small—insignificant—before the raw power of nature. This is the kind of scene Elihu is building toward in Job 36. He’s not finished speaking, and now he shifts his focus to something even greater than God’s justice: God’s overwhelming majesty and wisdom. He wants Job to stop looking at his suffering through the lens of personal injustice and start seeing it as part of God’s greater purpose. Elihu is setting the stage for what’s coming next—the voice of God Himself. But before that moment arrives, he has one more argument to make: The Almighty is beyond our reach, but He is not beyond our trust. The Rev. Mark Loder, pastor of St. James Luth. Ch. & School in Howard Lake, MN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 36. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

The debate has been raging. Job has insisted on his innocence. His friends stubbornly clung to their belief that suffering must be the result of sin. Then came Elihu—young, passionate, and unwilling to let either side go unchallenged. He has listened long enough, and now he speaks. In Job 34 and 25, Elihu sharpens his argument. He turns his focus entirely to God’s justice, confronting Job’s complaints head-on. Does the Almighty pervert justice? Can the One who governs the world with perfect wisdom ever be accused of wrongdoing? The question is no longer about Job’s suffering alone. Now, it’s about the very nature of divine justice itself. The Rev. Brandon Metcalf, associate pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 34 and 35. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

The debate has been raging. Job has insisted on his innocence. His friends stubbornly clung to their belief that suffering must be the result of sin. Then came Elihu—young, passionate, and unwilling to let either side go unchallenged. He has listened long enough, and now he speaks. In Job 34 and 25, Elihu sharpens his argument. He turns his focus entirely to God’s justice, confronting Job’s complaints head-on. Does the Almighty pervert justice? Can the One who governs the world with perfect wisdom ever be accused of wrongdoing? The question is no longer about Job’s suffering alone. Now, it’s about the very nature of divine justice itself. The Rev. Brandon Metcalf, associate pastor at Zion Lutheran Church in Bethalto, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 34 and 35. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

"Job, you’ve been demanding a hearing before God. You’ve said He won’t answer you. But what if He’s been speaking this whole time—and you just haven’t recognized His voice?" That’s the challenge Elihu brings in Job 33. He steps forward, claiming he has something new to say—something Job’s friends failed to understand. Elihu insists that God does answer people, but not always in the ways they expect. Sometimes He speaks through dreams, sometimes through suffering, sometimes through a mediator who intercedes on our behalf. Is Elihu on the right track? Speaking of a mediator, does he have Jesus in mind? The Rev. Jacob Hercamp, pastor of Christ Lutheran Church in Noblesville, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 33. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

Have you ever held your tongue, waiting for the right moment to speak—only to finally explode because you just couldn’t take it anymore?" That’s Elihu. For 31 chapters, he’s been silent, sitting there, listening to Job and his friends argue back and forth. He’s younger, so he waited. Let the older men talk first. Let wisdom speak. But now? He’s furious. He’s watched Job justify himself rather than God. He’s heard Job’s friends fail to give an answer. Frankly, he’s pretty upset with all parties involved. And finally, he can’t take it anymore. So, he speaks. But is Elihu wise, or is he just another misguided voice? Is he correcting Job—or condemning him? The Rev. Sean Willman, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 32. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

"What if God put your entire life under a microscope? Every thought, every action, every secret motive laid bare? Would you dare to say, ‘I have nothing to hide’?" That’s exactly what Job does in Job 31. He stands before God and lays out his life—not in arrogance, but in desperation. It’s Job’s final defense, his last declaration before he falls silent, waiting for God’s answer. But here’s the real question: Is Job right? Can any man stand before God on his own righteousness? The Rev. David Boisclair, senior pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 31. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

One day, you're respected, admired, some might even envy the life you lead. People listen when you speak, seek your wisdom, and value your presence. Then, suddenly—you're a joke. The same people who once looked to you for wisdom and nodded in agreement at your advice now scoff. They roll their eyes. They whisper. They avoid you in the street. The man who once sat at the city gates in honor now sits in the dust, scorned. The young punks who wouldn't have been fit to tend his flocks are now spitting at his feet. His body is wasting away, his soul is crushed, and worst of all, in Job’s eyes—God is silent. What do we do when dignity turns to disgrace? When God, who once seemed so near, now feels impossibly distant? The Rev. Chris Matthis, pastor of Epiphany Lutheran Church in Castle Rock, CO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 30. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.

Have you ever caught yourself longing for the “good old days”? That’s exactly where we find Job as he reminisces about a time when he was honored in his community, when God’s favor felt almost tangible, and his counsel was eagerly sought by everyone around him. But those days now seem heartbreakingly distant. In this chapter, we hear the ache of a man desperate to reclaim a lost sense of blessing—and we’re reminded how quickly life can turn upside down. The Rev. Doug Griebenaw, Mission Advocate at KFUO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Job 29. 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 all, we see glimpses of Christ—the truly innocent sufferer—who redeems our pain and points us to the cross, where suffering meets salvation. Join us as we journey through Job, confronting tough questions about faith, suffering, and God's mysterious ways with hope grounded in Christ alone. 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.