Assembled before us is a large group of people from every walk of life–great men and ordinary men, princes and statesmen, priests, and everyone else imaginable (F. B. Meyer). Above the din of the crowd, you might hear the crackle of a gigantic fire, a furnace to be specific. You will likely notice a band of musicians tuning their instruments in preparation for the major event about to take place. At the first note, the sea of people drop to their knees in unison, facing the centerpiece–a magnificent golden statue of a man.
King Nebuchadnezzar smiles to himself. His dream had troubled him–head of gold indeed! He would make an image all of gold to show that his kingdom would not be defeated. He would then have the people worship his image. Yes, things were going just as he planned.
Suddenly, his smile is replaced by a perplexed frown. He sits up in his chair and squints. Are his eyes deceiving him? Or is that–no, it can’t be–three men are still standing! Now filled with rage, he calls his men to bring the three rebels to him. Matthew Henry writes, “They are neither ashamed, nor afraid to own their religion and tell the king to his face that they do not fear him. They are resolved rather to die in their integrity than live in their iniquity.”
How relevant this story is for our day! Standing alone is nothing new for Christians. Just as the three Hebrew children stood, there is a need in our time for young people who will stand for what is right. Who, like David, can rise up and cry, “Is there not a cause?” Young people are needed who are not content with mediocre Christianity; who refuse to go with the flow of mainstream society, those who know they were born “for such a time as this.” Young people who have a vision…
“That ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13.
