Saul, David, Absalom

In light of reading A Tale of Three Kings, my heart is heavy.

If all authority comes from God, then when is it proper to challenge the authority?

When the authority contradicts God’s?

Am I supposed to have that sort of discernment?

How does democracy play into this?

What is the definition of authority in this context?

Is it every right for authority to be overthrown?

Who makes that decision?

What about Hitler?

At the same time, what about Jesus Christ?

Why is it that I read books to get answers, and I only end up with more questions at the end?

“…authority from God is not afraid of challengers, makes no defense, and cares not one whit if it must be dethroned.”  I feel that in small ways, I’m learning this.

“A man cannot know his own heart. “ This is both terrifying and comforting to me. It also makes me feel like I’m a stranger to my own self, but it reaffirms why we need community, people to speak into our lives.

Evidently, to understand the bible to the degree I desire, I must go to seminary, get a Master’s in history, learn Koine Greek and Aramaic, and discover the Ark of the Covenant.

Or maybe I should start by just praying for wisdom.