by Charles Killian, Asbury Theological Semianry professor 1970-2004
I don’t know the source of this story, or where I got it. It is a well-worn story. Every preacher has used it a time or two. The date was June 18, 1815, the day of the Battle of Waterloo. It was the day when Wellington and Napoleon were locked in the heat of battle. All England breathlessly awaited word of the outcome, as its future hung precariously in the balance. The forces of France, under the leadership of Napoleon were fighting against the forces of England, Holland, and Germany, under the command of Wellington.
The news of the battle was passed across the channel by means of semaphores (a light relay system), a visual Morse Code, with flashing lights spelling out messages letter by letter and word by word. The message started to come back from the front lines and from atop Winchester Cathedral, a sentry picked up the message and relayed it—letter by letter. WELLINGTON DEFEATED.
Just at that instant a fog settled in on London, making it impossible for anyone to see any more signals from the tower. The people became depressed. They inched their way back home, disillusioned and defeated. No more England. The mad Frenchman had won. No more hope. No more liberty. No more England.
As suddenly as the fog came, it lifted, and the sentry returned to his post on Winchester Cathedral. He went back to his duties, feverishly attempting to transmit the full story: WELLINGTON DEFEATED THE ENEMY!
This is an Easter Story, too. At the end of this forty-day journey, an awful ‘fog’ settled in over Jerusalem. Despair and discouragement gripped the hearts of those who were following the Master. When it was all over, the greatest message ever proclaimed JESUS DEFEATED THE ENEMY!
It is the kind of news that awakens! C. S. Lewis said, “The world is a great sculpture shop and all of us are the statues. But the rumor is going around that some of us are coming to life.” And that is about the best news one could hear—things are ‘coming to life’ around here!
Hi Chuck. I think about you fondly from time to time. Sr. Colloquim, Preaching class, your rye smile, dinner w/you and Jane when I struggled w/a big life decision and she said, God can’t guide a parked car”…. Changed my life. Good to see your pic and read your stuff.
love the analogy. great story
Thanks Dr Killian, I enjoyed the story we are indeed made alive by the resurrection power of Jesus. stay blessed
Dear Chuck:
It may be a well-known story but I have never heard it. It is very good you shared it & used it so well. Blessings to you, Gary Story
Just heard this for the first time today on the radio. Was so happy to read it as well. Made my Easter a bit brighter.
Thank you.