Matthew

Not to far into Matthew's gospel, we find the words, "he [Jesus] taught as one who had authority." (Matt. 7.29) I find the use of the word, authority, very interesting. It seems in our culture in 2009, we don't have much use for the word, AUTHORITY. In fact, there are philosophies and world views floating around our culture that seemed to find their whole identity in opposing any and all forms of authority. In the 1960's, there seemed to be birthed in our land a questioning of the basic "authorities" and institutions of our nation. I do not think that was all bad, as authorities and institutions need to be held accountable to God's laws and commands. Power does tend to corrupt and thus, the "powers that be" need to be taken to task when they run against God's commands.
But I wonder often if we did not "throw the baby out with the bath water." Have we simply focused on the misdeeds of some "authorities" and institutions and therefore jumped to the conclusion that all authority and institutions are wicked to the core? Certainly, some form of authority and some institutions are necessary for the security, justice, prosperity, and integrity of a nation.
In the gospels, we find TRUE AUTHORITY, not like the "authorities" we see on earth, who fall short, break laws, and sin sometimes. No, this is an AUTHORITY that is PERFECT, JUST, ETERNAL, ALL POWERFUL, AND SURPRISINGLY . . . LOVING! It is the authority of our God who loves and cares for us, our God who came in the flesh of Jesus Christ to reconcile the world to Himself. Certainly, this should redeem all our presuppositions about "authority." And perhaps, it may even give us hope, that as the authorities and institutions of our world are prayed for and held accountable to God, then they can be more just and even work for peace and justice in our world.
As Paul said, "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."