Perhaps you have heard this story before. Maybe not. Since I have never read Dickens’ Tale of Two Cities I can’t say I have except in a passing glance. But I used the following story in my sermon yesterday and since it is the week leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection, I thought I would start your week off with a thought-provoking story.
A man named Charles Darnay is condemned to die by the guillotine. In our vernacular, all means of appeal had been made. The verdict kept coming back “Guilty.” “Condemned.”
As he sat in his cell and thought about his wife and child, he heard the shuffling of feet in the stone passage, a turning of a key, and a quick open and shut door. With a finger to his lips, Sidney Carton stood face-to-face before Darnay with a slight smile on his face. This man had come to trade places with Darney. Carton, an innocent man, is willing to go to the guillotine so that Darnay can be free to live and rejoin his family.
After the exchange has been made, and prisoners are gathered to be taken to their execution, a little seamstress approaches him. “Are you dying for him?” she whispered. “And his wife and child,” he replied.
Sidney Carton died so that another might live. But as great as his act was, it still does compare with what Christ has done for us. You see, Carton died for 3 people. Jesus died not for just three, not for a hundred, but millions upon millions of people. Jesus died mercifully for a humanity caught in rebellion against God. By His death Jesus reconciled us (made us friends) with God.
Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his love for us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Think on that truth as we begin this final week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.
“A Tale of Two Cities’ is my wife’s favorite novel by Dickens. For me, it ranks third, after “Great Expectations” and “David Copperfield.” I think I was 13 when I fiorst read “A Tale of Two Cities.” I reread it a couple of years ago, and I still find it a great story.
Hmmm. With that type of recommendation it sounds like a visit to our local library might be in order.
I did love your sermon yesterday, Bill, and was so touched by the prayers for Danny and me. When I went to visit him in the hospital, I showed him the video from the 9:00 service, and he was moved by your kind words. Thanks again!
You are more than welcome Martha. I was honored to pray for you both. Please keep me updated.
GREAT STORY AND TRUTH OF WHO CHRIST DIE FOR. I AM GRATEDUL I AM ONE OF THE “ALL HAVE SINED AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD SO I CAN BE COUNTED IN THE ALL WHO BELIEVE WILL HAVE ETERNAL LIFE.
No greater joy than that is here Betty?