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.