“Authority” is almost considered to be a “four-letter word” by many in our nation today. Whether it is police or government or courts, or teachers, bosses, supervisors and the like, people have a hard time today acknowledging that anyone has the “right” to tell them what to do. Obedience to almost any authority is challenged, leaving people in a state of constant chaos and disruption. Protests used to be rare events, but have now become commonplace, with those “protesting” often having no idea what they are “FOR,” except that they disagree with those who are in their minds “in power.” The result is described in the last verse of the book of Judges: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes”(Judges 21:25). Sadly, the challenge to, and rejection of authority has made its way into the home and even into the Church. In His Word God establishes clear authority roles for fathers in the home and for Elders in the Church. Just as in a society, when these roles are respected and godly men fulfill their calling, there is peace, and all those involved experience the blessing of God. But when people challenge the authority that God has ordained the result is often division and heartache. We were not created to be independent from GOD’s authority. Even Adam and Eve were obligated to obey God’s commands. Obedience is good for us!! As Jesus began His ministry He claimed authority from God, and when He His authority was challenged, He pointed to the source of His authority: His Father in heaven! In the midst of the rebellious, lawless world in which we live, we who believe must display the truth about authority … both who has it and why, and how it is to be exercised, especially in the home and in the Church. To that end, listen to God’s Word today and examine your own heart, remembering that “ALL authority, in heaven and on earth, has been given to” … JESUS CHRIST … our Savior AND our Lord!