Long years ago, there was a fierce battle outside the city of Nancy in France. Charles the Bold, the Duke of Burgany, was trying to lead his army into the city, but the brave people of the city just closed the gates and said “No.”
But the attacker would not take “No” for an answer, and so he and his men battered at the strong walls and tried hard to capture the city. At last they were able to break through, and with a shout of triumph they rushed into the streets with their swords drawn. Charles was so angry at the people of Nancy that he ordered them all lined up and every tenth one was to be killed with the sword.
The news spread quickly, and many of them tried to hide, but there was no escape. Soldiers were everywhere, waving their gleaming swords and driving men, women, and children into the streets to be lined up. Let me tell you that there is a more fearful judgment coming upon sinners which shall not only fall upon every tenth man and woman, boy and girl. God has said, “And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains.” Revelation 6:1515And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; (Revelation 6:15). Why are all these people going to hide like that? The next two verses tell us that the Lamb of God is going to act in judgment, and these are they who have not taken shelter under His precious blood. None shall escape.
But let me finish the story. It was a terrible day for the doomed city. At a word from the Duke, the long line was formed in the streets, and then with a fearful certainty he waved his hand up and down, counting along the line as he did so. His soldiers followed him, and at the count of “ten” there was a flash of the sword and the poor victim was dead. Boy or girl, man or woman—it made no difference! The brave governor of the city, and his only daughter Telesile, were near the head of the line. Eagerly the girl watched the count, and she could soon see that the count of ten would fall upon her father. Silently she waited, and nearer came the soldiers. One, two, three, four...” Suddenly she slipped behind her father and slipped on the other side so that the count of ten would fall upon her. “.... five, six, seven, eight, nine, TEN!” Telesile was chosen, and the sword was raised.
“Stop! Justice, Justice!” cried her father.
“What is wrong?”
“The count is wrong. I am sure that number ten should have been mine. There is a mistake. Not her—oh not her!”
“Not so,” said Telesile calmly. “You all saw that the number came to me.”
“She put herself in my way—she took my place—let the blow fall on me.”
The soldiers were amazed. Never had they seen two people arguing to take the other’s place in death. Charles the Bold stood and listened in great surprise.
Here let us leave them for a moment while we speak of an act of devoted love which surpasses that of the young girl of Nancy. Jesus Christ, the holy Son of God, stepped into the guilty sinner’s place on the cross of Calvary, and there allowed the stroke of Divine wrath and judgment to fall on His head, instead of mine. The judgment was to fall—not on every tenth person, but upon all for “All have sinned.” Romans 3:2323For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:23). Now God can justly forgive everyone who takes shelter in that blessed Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Now to finish our story. In spite of his proud and wicked heart, Charles the Bold was filled with pity at the sight of the father and daughter. Eagerly they plead with him, each one in turn, to “take my life.”
“Neither shall die! Old man, fair maiden, I spare your lives, and for your sakes I spare also the lives of all these people.”
Great was the rejoicing of the doomed people, and in their thanksgiving, they did not forget what they owed to Telesile.
And great was my joy when I found that Jesus had truly taken my guilty place. But there was no escape for Him. His precious life-blood was shed for me, and the Word of God tells me that “the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:77But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7).
Your sins must meet the punishment of God, either upon your own guilty head in an eternal hell, or upon the person of God’s Son upon the cross of Calvary.
I hope you too can sing,
O Christ, what burdens bowed Thy head!
My load was laid on Thee;
Thou stoodest in the sinner’s stead—
To bear all ill for me.
A victim led, Thy blood was shed;
Now there’s no load for me.
ML 05/31/1953