The authority of their public position, which even 15 years ago was respected, has eroded to nothing today. Students swear at or ignore their teachers, and the consequences are virtually nil. When action is sought, parents invariably threaten legal action and stymie the process. And we understand power. Where a person or group can force another into unwilling submission through the act or threat of violence.
Authority calls for submission.
Power forces it. The UN's authority to bring harmony in the world is ignored in the Balkans, so NATO moves in with power to try and force compliance. All of which is going to make it hard for us to hear the Message from God's Word this morning. Because it is about precisely this - authority. Authority in our lives.