“TO BE PREFERRED ABOVE EVERYTHING ELSE”

As we journey through life, a lot of people become part of our lives. Some are family, some friends, some colleagues, and some others, our acquaintances. Whoever they may be, we own a certain degree of obligation, towards each of them, due to the responsibilities, as an integral part of those various relationships. Among them, what is official, or what is related to our job, and those concerning the governing authorities, take our highest obligatory responsibility, since it is legally binding upon us. Hence, they cannot be delayed, ignored, or neglected. If one does, it will surely have serious consequences and lasting repercussions.

How would one respond if there was a “clash” between God, and the authority of man? Without being disrespectful to man, we are to obey what the LORD says. As Christians, we owe our allegiance to God, over every human authority, especially, when they are clashing. 

Ludger [742-809 AD] a Dutch missionary to the Frisians, and the founder of Munster, was notable for his gentleness and his courage. He refused to respond to the messengers from the Holy Roman Emperor, Charlemagne, until he completed his daily devotions. When questioned by the king himself, he defended his actions by saying, “God is to be preferred to you O King, and to all men.” A truly courageous man indeed, who knew his priorities, and did not shrink, when it came to follow through with his convictions.

Daniel of old, is a very fine example of such conduct. 
– “5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.” 6 Then these high officials and satraps came by agreement to the king and said to him, “O King Darius, live forever! 7 All the high officials of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the counsellors and the governors are agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce an injunction, that whoever makes petition to any god or man for thirty days, except to you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document, so that it cannot be changed, according to the law of the Medes and the Persians, which cannot be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document and injunction. 10 When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” – Daniel 6:5-10

Shadrach, Meshach and Abedneggo, the three friends of Daniel, were just as firm as their friend, in giving priority to God, over and above the king, and the man. Here under is the accusation against them, and then, the response of the Hebrew children, to the furious king.
– “12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” – Daniel 3:12
– “16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” – Daniel 3:16-18

How would we conduct ourselves in such a situation? Would we buckle under the pressure, and give in? Would we have the strength to stand up, and prioritise God, over and above the king, and the man? Even so, the LORD help us.