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Thoughts on Authority
God exercised his authority throughout the commands that he gave to man. God communicated his commands through prophets (cf. Amos 3.7). God’s people, in rejecting their message, rejected his message (cf. 2 Chronicles 36.15). How does man rebel against God’s authority? He does so by rebelling against God’s designated authority. We see this from various examples:
- Numbers 12.1-8 — Aaron and Miriam against Moses
- Numbers 14.1-10 — Ten spies and the congregation against Caleb and Joshua
- Numbers 16.1-13 — Korah and his company against Moses and Aaron
- 1 Samuel 15.1-23 — King Saul against Samuel
The same thing is true about Jesus. He was given “all authority” following his resurrection (Matthew 28.18). His authority is rejected when his words are rejected. “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my savings, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12.48). Jesus delegated his authority to the apostles; their words were to be honored. “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that rejecteth you rejecteth me; and the that rejecteth me rejecteth him that sent me” (Luke 10.16). When the apostles’ words are rejected, God’s authority is rejected. God’s wrath was revealed because of such godlessness and wickedness.
Take Korah’s rebellion as an example. How should Korah have handled the situation? If Moses was in error, wouldn’t Korah have had evidence as to how and why he had transgressed the very law that he had received from Jehovah on Mt. Sinai? Simply present the evidence against the standard (Law of Moses) and let God handle it. In this way, Korah would have maintained his own integrity by respecting Moses’ position of authority (as David respected Saul’s position of authority while Saul was king (cf. 1 Samuel 26.9-10,23-25)). This course of action was always rewarded with mercy from God, for it evidences one’s trust in God to handle the situation. Apply this to today…
In the Home. Parents’ authority can be undermined by going against the counseling of their children (cf. Ephesians 6.1-4). If I disagree with parents in the raising of their child, how should I handle it? Do I murmur behind their backs as Korah did? Do I tell the child, when away from the parent, directly the opposite of what I know the parent would want or go against the rules that the parent has given to the child? What message would I be sending to that child? This creates a double standard for the child, while undermining the whole concept of parental authority. If the parents are doing contrary to the gospel, I should have evidence with which to go to the parents in full assurance that God’s way is best for all involved. But under no circumstances should I go behind their backs.
As a side note, there is a lesson for the child in this matter. You are going to receive a lot of advice in your life from family, school, friends, etc. Remember the inspired counsel: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right” (Ephesians 6.1). What should you do if you learn that the instruction you were given is not according to the word of God? Follow God’s word; but under no condition should you decide to do as you please. We live in a day and time in which so many homes are shattered by infidelity. Children are neglected and abused. A host of sources with advice are readily available which will influence their decisions as to how to live their lives. We must never undermine the position of authority God has delegated to parents as we deal with these situations. Rather, we must trust in God’s way that is best for all involved.
Government. Jesus explained how corruption in earthly rule has come about: “Men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, and cometh not to the light, lest his works should be reproved” (John 3.19-21). Jesus lived under it but taught that both earthly and heavenly rule were to be respected (cf. Matthew 22.17-21). Earthly rule is ordained of God for man’s good. “For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. And wouldest thou have no fear of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise from the same” (Romans 13.3). While rebellion is the wrong reaction to earthly rule, the likeliest and greatest error in connection with respect for those in authority is negligence in praying on their behalf (cf. Matthew 5.43-45; 1 Timothy 2.1-4).
Employment. How do we react to injustice in the work environment? Whisper, murmur, and complain? Read the parable of the laborers (Matthew 20.1-17). Diligence rather than slothfulness is in order. “Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor” (Romans 13.7; cf. Ephesians 6.5-9). Remember the attitude of David in 1 Samuel 26. Rebellion against God’s anointed authorities in this life is rebellion against him.
