I suspect I am like many other people in relationship to their youth versus their adulthood. When I was in high school the idea of reading Shakespeare and others of his ilk held about as much excitement for me as watching grass grow. I can remember “reading” The Merchant of Venice in 10th grade English. Can you say B-O-R-I-N-G?. I must also confess a somewhat naive understanding of a book called Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I took one look at its length and shuddered. Then I watched a scene from the movie during my Wild at Heart men’s study. But, it wasn’t until I was driving back and forth to PA during my mother’s last days on earth that I listened to Les Mis on CD. I was fascinated! So I read the book. Well, not THE book but an updated version of it. 🙂
What a story! You are probably familiar with it. Jean Valjean is the chief character. We find him being denied shelter at several establishments because he is a convict-freed-but still a convict in the minds of the people. A kind priest gives him lodging and Valjean returns the favor by stealing from him and running away. Caught running he is returned to the priest where the priest is given a chance to accuse him of theft. Instead, he not only says he gave the silver to Valjean, but also tells him he forgot the silver candlesticks. Valjean is dumbfounded by this grace shown by the priest and is then commissioned to return that same favor to others. Mercy would have dropped the charges, but the priest takes it a step further. He takes the polar opposite approach by actually rewarding Valjean for what he had done! This throws Valjean into a “complete tizzy.” He couldn’t believe someone would act that way toward him.
Along with the exposure I had to LesMis in the past, I also borrowed the musical as it was recorded in New York. Part of Valjean’s lines were these:
“One word from him, and I’ll be back
beneath the lash, upon the rack.
Instead he offers me my freedom.
I feel shame inside me like a knife.
He told me that I have a soul…
Is there another way to go?”
The answer to the question Valjean asks is, “Yes.” By God’s abundant grace…Yes! Valjean actually skips his parole hearing and goes off the grid until Inspector Javert finds him-quite by accident. But Valjean keeps his promise to the old priest who gave him another chance. His life is changed forever, and he, in turn, helps turn others’ lives around.
In reality, all of us who are followers of Christ are in the same boat as Valjean. We have been shown grace to give grace. But we also have our Inspector Javert’s. (Another post this week).
Have you ever read LesMis? What is your take on it?
My daughter read Les Miserables this past summer for her required high school reading assignment. Even though she read the abridged version, it was still over 800 pages long. She did not come away with a great impression of this one. I too read this back in my youth, but do not recall my opinion. But your synopsis nails the beauty of this central story arc. GRACE!
Daniel: if you can get her to read the updated in modern language version I recommend in the link. Or listen to the radio theater version. It will give a new understanding and impression to her (and you). I have never read, nor plan to read, Hugo’s version.
Read it, seen the old movie and the new one…compelling story.
That it is Betty. Thanks. Read Hugo’s version? WOW! I have the original movie made. I like the newer better. 🙂
Awwww, your post made me want to re-read the book again… (my fourth time, I think, it would be…)
It is one of my most favorite book of all I have ever read. The message of redemption, the example of utmost humility, love, and care, bravery… OH, is there ANY virtue that is not covered in that book?
As a shameless (well, somewhat) self-promo, I had the series of posts on all the main characters last year: http://www.zenichka.com/category/books/les-miserables/
I had just started reading your blog when you did that series of posts Zee. I am going to have to go back and read them again. Thanks for your comment on the book.
I have not read the book. I did see the musical put on by Bloomington South last month. It was pretty good. Fiction is not something I read.
When I think of Christ followers “grace givers” isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Most of the people I know that identify as Christian are pretty right wing politically and more in favor of cutting opportunity and relief than in encouraging it.
Maybe I just haven’t enjoyed God’s abundant grace. And I am not sure what crime I committed against God to need any grace from God.
I missed that musical Jeff. I keep looking to see if it is coming to IU Auditorium any time soon. Sadly, your picture of Christians is not the one I want to be associated with. As for needing God’s grace: we all do. Sin had led us to be separated from God. Committing one sin has me in need of God’s grace.
Never read the book or saw the movie. I just vaguely know what it’s all about.
Well…maybe I can help enlighten you. 🙂
Les Mis is one of my all time favorites. Such a beautiful story of hope and redemption. I’ve seen it on Broadway too!
Envy seeping out. 🙂
I haven’t read the book or seen the movie, but now I want to! I’ve heard good things about it and your post drives it home! Thank you!!
You’re welcome Deb. If nothing else, get the more modern version to read and watch the movie with Liam Neeson in it.
I love this story. Saw the old movie, saw it on Broadway (I was working for a bus tour company at the time and they paid for my ticket), and listen to the sound track over and over and over… I have an abridged edition of it and one of these days I will open it. The original – well I tried several times and could not get through it.
I have no desire to read the original. 🙂 800+ pages of old language. UGH! But it sounds like you should write about it Susan. Your exposure to the book/movie/ lessons is much more extensive than mine.
I could write about it.
You do it and I would love to feature it here. 🙂
You are on then. Thank you. I’ll have it probably within a week.
I haven’t read the book, but did watch the movie with Liam Neeson and really loved the moral of the story. The new musical I just can’t get through… some of the old me just refuses to yield! I agree with you, we all are that thief that deserves judgement but get grace from our Father instead. Perfect analogy.
I have been a musical fan so wasn’t sure how I would be with it. I heard it on CD right after listening to the radio theater and watching the movie so I could relate. Not sure now how I would do.
I have the book on the Kindle app, but I haven’t read it yet. I’ve seen clips here and there and know a little about the story. Very compelling and what a picture of God’s grace for us! Thanks Bill.
Not sure which version you have on Kindle but hope you can get the more modern version I recommend. I think you will find it reads a whole lot easier. But the theme is the same no matter what.
Never read it or seen it. My Uncle actually works the lighting for Broadway musicals and did the lighting for this. My grandparents always get front row seats whenever a new musical comes out. 🙂 My husband regularly suggests we rent the movie, I politely decline, but what you wrote has me intrigued. And, when I was reading the lines from the movie, I was thinking of Jesus and how ashamed I am that He paid for my eternal freedom. Good post Bill!
There is so much in that movie that speaks to the life in Christ we all need and live. If you have the chance to listen to the CD I mention do so. i will even send it to you.
Like you, I had to read it in school – but I don’t remember much about it all. I believe we read some edited, abridged version that was super short. Musicals don’t really work for me, but more power to those who like them.
i don’t know what you like to read Loren but if you can watch Liam Neeson’s version or read the updated version I think you would love it. My first musical ever was Oklahoma and i was not a fan. I can tolerate them now and will go to see our local high school play every year.
Grace is at the center of every epic human story, because it at the center of every human need
Spot on David.