Where There is No King

There’s a prophetic and sobering verse at the end of the Book of Judges that speaks directly to us today: “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit” (Judges 21:25). Another translation puts it this way: “in those days Israel had no king, and everyone did that which was right in his own eyes.” This verse sets the context for the Book of 1 Samuel, which describes Israel’s sinful desire and demand for their first human king.

A Culture of Autonomous Authority

Judges 21:25 tells us there was no accepted authority over the people of Israel. They no longer submitted to the King they already had. They weren’t content with their invisible, yet divine King. Thus, the people did whatever they wanted to do.

Just as in the days of the Judges, we too live in a culture that makes light of any authority outside ourselves. Many of us know parents who have abdicated their rightful authority in their own homes, schools where students do not recognize the authority of teachers, and communities where citizens no longer respect police officers as legitimate authorities in their lives.

Even the Church at large no longer commands the respect of authority it once did. How often have we heard words to the effect, “Well, my church believes such and such, but I don’t.” Perhaps most sadly, the Bible, the Holy Word of God, is no longer held up as the authority in the lives of many. How often have you heard someone dismiss something the Bible plainly teaches because, according to them, the Bible is nothing more than what ancient people wrote a long time ago, and therefore, isn’t relevant to our day and age? That sentiment is so often expressed it’s practically a cliché.

We too might say, “There is no authority in our day, and each person does what is right in their own eyes.”

The Danger of Autonomous Authority

Our culture is confused, and many in the church are following the culture’s lead. When there’s no recognized authority to govern and lead a people, then the people themselves become the measure for all things. You can imagine the chaos which would ensue if each person in a city, large or small, thought he or she was his or her only authority. Such a conclusion would lead us to ask the same question the late Francis Schaeffer asked, “How should we then live?”

Building on the Rock or the Sand?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke of two builders who built two homes, which based on casual observation looked basically the same. Yet our Lord tells us there was a profound difference between them. One house was built upon the shaky foundation of sand. The other house was built upon the sure foundation of rock.

Jesus was teaching that we are all builders of lives. And, according to Jesus, we’re either building our lives on the sand or on the Rock. Furthermore, when Jesus spoke of the sure foundation which should undergird every sphere of our lives, he had something particular in mind. He said the only foundation that can give us the strength we need to withstand the raging storms of sin and crises is his Word – both hearing and obeying it.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways do you see the sentiment of “everyone did what was right in their own eyes” playing out in our current culture?

2. If the Bible isn’t the ultimate authority in a person’s life, what are some examples of what (or who) might take its place?

3. What have you observed in the lives of people you know who do not recognize and submit to the authority of the Bible?

4. What does it mean to call the Bible a “transcendent authority,” and why do we need such an authority?

5. How would you respond to someone who says the Bible is simply an outdated collection of writings from an ancient time, rather than the authoritative Word of God?

Action Steps

1. Prayerfully examine your own life to identify areas where you may be relying on your own autonomous authority rather than submitting to the authority of God’s Word.

2. Identify one or two Christian mentors or role models in your life who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the authority of Scripture. Consider how you can learn from their example.

3. Commit to regularly studying the Bible, seeking to hear God’s voice and align your life with the truth it contains.

Thanks again for taking the time to read and reflect on this post. If you found it helpful, I encourage you to share it with others who might benefit from these insights. Together, let’s strive to build our lives on the solid foundation of God’s Word.

If you would like to read other things I've written, you can go to my personal website, Walking Points.