Katha and I recently attended a performance of Les Miserables at Chrysler Hall in Norfolk. It was sensational!
Like many of you, I can’t help but see the aspects of LAW and GRACE displayed in the story of this great peice of literature written by the French author, Victor Hugo.
And a great story coupled with beautifully moving music makes for a powerfuly impact on the observer. (BTW…the same is true with the music in worship!)
The LAW is represented by the tenacious Javert as he spends his life looking for the escaped prisoner, Jean Valjean. GRACE is represented by Valjean whose only crime is breaking his parole eight years earlier.
Several times, Valjean has opportunity to kill Javert and end the “game” but his character qualities won’t allow it. He graciously frees Javert only to see the pursuit continue. Javert, showing no grace, cannot let go of chasing the criminal who must be punished. Finally, when he can take no more of the tension that exists between legalism and kindness, he decides to take his own life.
Seeing the story of Les Mis reminds me of the grace that is extended from Jesus Christ.
I deserve death but Jesus gives me life. He came not to abolish the LAW but to fulfill it. (Matthew 5:17) His love is unconditional and His grace is never-ending. By extension, I was the one who put Him on the cross and drove the nails into His hands. And yet He forgives me and blesses me abundantly.
Thank you, Victor Hugo, for a life illustration of a divine reality.
byf8h 
I love Les Mis’ underlying spirituality. I saw Les Mis in Greenville and the cast were talented. The set was wonderful to look at and it flowed smoothly from one scene to another. This actually was my 5th time seeing the stage show.
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Thanks for your comments! Yes, Les Mis is an incredible story. I appreciate you sharing from your terrific perspective!
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Prior, I thought ALL musicals were HAPPY, but capable of sad. So Les Mis proved everything wrong. It showed that yes tragic musicals exist and I realized I was 100% blind to heartbreak. It really did have a huge impact on my journey with musicals. This is a musical where I can’t pick my favorite song or pick my favorite characters: there are just so many: Jean Valjean, Eponine, Young Cosette Enjolras and the Students and Fantine are my favorite characters from the musical. Then with the songs, it is way to hard to choose just one: On My Own, I Dreamed a Dream, One Day More, Do You Hear The People Sing, A Little Fall of Rain, and Drink With Me are just few of the songs I love.
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Great thoughts! And I loved your blog post on the common thread of romance in musicals! This is a good observation. My son
got to play the role of Raoul in Phantom and his futrue wife played Christine at Liberty University. That’s when they fell in love…married, and now have their first baby. They both love the Lord and also the arts. Despite what some people may think, there is room in the heart for both!
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