Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“In the Absence of Supervision”
“My husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey.” – Proverbs 7:19
“In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” – Judges 21:25

For those who football fans, especially professional football, we all have a new appreciation for referee’s, and I am referring to those who are the “professional” referees. The ones who know the rules and know how to enforce them!
I have been involved in and played sports long enough to know that without proper “supervision,” a game can get out of hand—even violent. At the first Church I pastored we had a group of men (and sometimes ladies) that would play basketball three times a week, from about six to seven o’clock in the morning. The games were “self-called,” simply meaning we did not have a referee and we called our own fouls. The problem with that is obvious. Unless the individual has integrity calling a foul on themselves was not always going to happen, especially in the heat of the moment.
The scenario from the verse in Judges is much the same. The only difference is that they were not playing a game—it was their lives. At that point in Israel’s existence they were “ruled” by Judges, men (and women) appointed by God to lead them in times of need. Mostly when they were being oppressed by their enemies. Then, during times of peace, with no need of a judge to oversee them they became, “self-governing.” If you read between the lines it does not take an expert to realize this kind of system will not and cannot work! The reason…we simply cannot manage that kind of power! In the absence of leadership (or supervision) the result is more often or not—chaos.
Paul understood this which is why he wrote:
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.” – Romans 13:1-5

The absence of God (and the principles that follow) is living life unsupervised. It is attempting to be completely self-governing. It is an attempt to experience the kind of freedom that we were never intended to have. And as the verse from Proverbs shows it the kind of lure that promises great reward! That is impossible because we must all serve something! My hope is your always choose Christ!
The following are the lyrics of a song from the 1980’s from all people, Bob Dylan who had converted to Christianity. Its theology is simple but direct!
"Gotta Serve Somebody"
You may be an ambassador to England or France; You may like to gamble, you might like to dance You may be the heavyweight champion of the world; You may be a socialite with a long string of pearls.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed You're gonna have to serve somebody, It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
Might be a rock'n' roll adict prancing on the stage; Might have money and drugs at your commands, women in a cage,br /> You may be a business man or some high degree thief
They may call you Doctor or they may call you Chief.
You may be a preacher with your spiritual pride; A city councilman taking bribes on the side You may be working in a barbershop, you may know how to cut hair You may be somebody's mistress, may be somebody's heir.
Might like to wear cotton, might like to wear silk; Might like to drink whiskey, might like to drink milk
You might like to eat caviar, you might like to eat bread
You may be sleeping on the floor, sleeping in a king-sized bed.
But you're gonna have to serve somebody, yes indeed You're gonna have to serve somebody, It may be the devil or it may be the Lord, But you're gonna have to serve somebody.
Since we have a choice, choose Christ! Always. And by the way, there is no such things as being self-governed because if you are serving yourself, you are in reality serving the prince of pride.
Pastor J. T. Carnell