DAY 118

AUTHORITY

1 Kings 3, 4 & 5 and Luke 20:1 – 26

Authority: having it and then using it rightly is an amazing challenge. You find yourself a parent. The fact that you are a mother or father implicitly puts you in a position of authority, and yet you have most likely seen families where a five year old is in charge. Or consider a parish, or a work place, or a choir, or a sports team – often times who is in charge is in question, and if it is not, then how the leader is doing, can be questionable.

Yesterday we read how Solomon quickly eliminated opposition to establish his authority. Today we read of an alliance with Pharaoh through marriage that further strengthens it.

While Solomon’s authority is on the rise, Jesus’ authority is being challenged.  His public ministry has been underway for three years. He has done miracles and offered amazing teaching, and more. He is in the Temple; the symbol of religious authority. Those in charge are questioning him, “by whose authority do you do these things?” Jesus answers them with a question they dare not answer. He then tells them a parable. It is in one way a parable about people who have abused the authority delegated to them; it is a parable that zeroes in on the behavior of the religious of Jesus day. Lastly, we read of Caesar; now this is someone with authority. Jesus answer to a question, don’t mix up Caesar with God.

Jesus is not just being political. He is not trying to negotiate a mine field and give politically correct answers. His parable of the tenants throws the gauntlet down and his comment about Caesar and taxes points us to His ultimate concerns – those of God.

I often think, “Of course Jesus was able to be so brilliant, He is God!” So let’s return to Solomon because I think we will gain some insight, for Solomon’s asks of God what Jesus intrinsically possesses. God speaks to Solomon and tells him to pray for what he needs. It is a beautiful moment as Solomon addresses the Living God.

“Give your servant therefore and understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”

I underlined “your” because it shows how Solomon understands that the people are God’s, not Solomon. Solomon is a wise “tenant.” God is pleased and gives him this and more!

Of course Solomon is tested and we read of the famous “splitting the baby” story. The text says that all Israel heard and perceived it was the wisdom of God. And Solomon ruled from the Euphrates to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt – and there was Peace throughout.

Might I suggest that all of us are in positions of authority. You might think, “No, not me.” Let me offer an observation. You are a son or daughter of God. “All authority on heaven and on earth has been given to you” says Jesus in Matthew 28. You don’t just have a little authority, you have it all! So now what? Well, I think the prayer of Solomon needs to our prayer – and by the way it pleases God.