Real Authority

 

The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. (Psalm 19:7-11 ESV).

 

Continuing in an explanation and call to rely only on the Scripture for our direction and behavior, I’ve chosen a portion of Psalm 19 as our reading today. The whole psalm is vital, though these verses seem to be even more applicable today. The meme quotes verse fourteen, which certainly is wonderful; however, read the previous verses I’ve chosen again. The name “Lord” is used six times in just five verses. That ought to tell us something about who is the only real authority in life. The word authority has two common meanings. An authority can be a person who has extensive expertise that can be relied on. Authority can also include the right to make a decision, to direct or control something. In the Protestant Reformation, the teaching about Scripture alone made a claim based on both of these meanings.

 

The Reformers claimed that since the Bible was “God-breathed,” it was speaking God’s message to the world. As such, it has God’s authority for all humankind. Indeed, the Bible informs us that through the power of his word, God made the heavens and the earth, all things visible and invisible. God is the King of his creation, and he has the right to demand our submission. But the Bible’s authority also operates in the sense of expertise. Through his Word of truth to us, God conveys his expertise as our Creator, Sustainer, and Savior. As the Creator, only He can know us best. He knows all that we need, what is best for us, and how we should live in relation to him, to others, and to his creation.

 

There are so many competing voices today. Each of them telling us what is best. Until we measure their “best” against the only best, as revealed by God in the Scripture, we have nothing of substance. The words are empty and without power. God’s words are the only source of “great reward.” They are the only source of truth. Everything else really is fake news! Measure everyone’s words by the words of God found in the Scripture.