“So all the elders of Israel gathered together
and came to Samuel at Ramah. They said to him, ‘You are old, and your sons do
not walk in your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other
nations have.”
1 Samuel 8:4-5
Authority. It is something humanity desperately requires to
function and thrive. But is also something that we often reject, rail against,
and run from. If mankind were left to its own vices we would wound one another
with complete and utter disregard for the sanctity of life. We need boundaries,
guidance, and discipline. So the underlying question is: where do we turn for
supreme authority? Although many of us would probably boast that we submit to
God’s leadership is there any evidential outpouring of that commitment? Is holy
doctrine exhibited in our daily conduct? Is God’s commanding word really the
framework upon which our plans and pursuits are structured? Is the Lord’s
message actively and beautifully displayed in our continual actions?
God is the ultimate authority. He is the definitive source of
wisdom and intellect. But the original temptation of humanity, the temptation
that was given to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:4), is the same
temptation that plagues us today: that we can replace God’s authority with our own.
So often the deluded rationale flows like this:
·
If we can become like God then there is no need
for God’s rule· If there is no need for God’s rule then we are free to rule ourselves
· If we are free to rule ourselves then we are beholden to no higher authority
Whether we admit it or not we are subject to some level of
authority in our everyday dealings. Whether in the workplace, home, church,
municipal law system, or at an academic institution, authorities exist and
affect our lives. But the underlying question still remains: where do we turn for
supreme authority? We will find through an Old Testament passage that some
choose to place their total trust and confidence in the lives of their fellow
man.
In 1 Samuel 7, the Hebrew people were still governed through a
theocratic model, meaning the Israelites were guided by the divine leadership
of God. There was no human atop a civil institution. Sure there were tribal
elders and priests, but even the elders and priests were charged to lead under
God’s specific direction and guidance. God was rightly placed above all others.
But a major turning point occurred in 1 Samuel 8. The people observed that
Samuel’s sons were corrupted men. Like Eli, Samuel’s predecessor, the next
generation of priests had fallen short of the godly heritage set before them,
and the Hebrew community was disturbed. They were so disturbed that they wanted
to upend the entire authority structure, a structure that God had established.
Rather than prayerfully approach the matter the people rallied together and
devised a self-made scheme, a scheme that would radically alter the spirituality
and livelihood of Israel for many years to come.
This was a defining point in Hebrew history. In one weak moment,
the people chose to instill their hope in man instead of God. They chose civil government
over their Creator. A civil government, by the way, that was devised and
practiced by pagan nations. Samuel was distraught with the request for a Hebrew
king. He tried to talk the people out of chasing this course. His warnings were
stern and accurate. A king’s reign requires much, which comes entirely at the
expense of a kingdom’s citizens. Empires have to be continually replenished
with land, money, soldiers, and possessions. Such demands are not inexpensive.
They come at a steep price, financially and emotionally. Samuel highlighted
nothing positive about kings. But the people refused to heed Samuel’s counsel.
In essence, God told Samuel that the rejection of Samuel’s advice was not
against Samuel – it was against the Lord.
The day that the Israelites asked for a king was a dark day. It
set in motion a series of missteps and misguided behavior. Israel itself would
later break apart as a unified nation of twelve tribes because of an immature
king (1 Kings 12). Idolatry and debauchery would eventually flourish under the
rule of numerous immoral Hebrew kings. After all, it is hard to resist
imitating the beliefs and practices of a powerful figurehead, which is why God
never sought to institute a man-based authoritative composition for His
followers.
In summary, humanity should never seek to view any man above God. The
Lord should be our decisive authority. He should be the One in Who we turn to
for direction, guidance, counsel, and hope. It is in God that we trust. Let His
followers be a people that know and show that God’s authority is the authority
that truly matters. After all, God is the real King – the eternal King. No man-based
authority can ever overturn God’s sovereign, all-powerful reign. To Him be the glory
forever and ever.
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