Loving the Miserable

I wasn't always the musical junkie. In fact, I can hardly say that I am. Thoroughly Modern Millie was the only Broadway show that I had seen live; RENT the only other musical that I obsessed about.

And now, I think I find myself in love with this musical called Les Miserables.

I think part of the reason why I love it so much (apart from the heartbreaking music) is that, as much as it is a story about falling in love and dying for democracy, it is also a story about grace - both horizontal and vertical. It portrays the story of how a man found Salvation by someone showing him what grace is all about. And the beautiful thing about it is he shows the same grace and mercy that God has shown him through the Bishop.

It's not a Christian story, but you see and hear the references. In the first few lines of 'Who Am I':

Who am I, that I condemn this man to slavery.

Pretend I do not feel his agony.

This innocent who wears my face,

Who goes to judgment in my place.

I mean, I realize these are lyrics that pertain to Valjean's inner conflict of whether he should give himself up or not. But I mean, those lines pretty much speak about the Gospel right? I mean, that's what grace is about (1 John 4:9-10). That is love: that a God would send His Son to die for a people undeserving.

I guess I just love this musical because it reminds me of how a glorious God can love and redeem miserable human beings like us. And I think I might always marvel about this fact.

The best thing about thing is, just like Valjean had, there is certainty in Salvation. If you truly believe, then you are truly saved and nothing will ever separate you from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39).

And so I must now leave you with my favorite line from this musical:

And remember the truth that once was spoken - to love another person is to see the face of God.

Psalm 115

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness.” – Psalm 115:1 (ESV)

This year, I’ll do better. This year, I’ll be more diligent in my studies. This time I won’t put my work down to the last minute.

Sounds familiar? We've all tried (and failed) to stick to our resolutions. We make them at the beginning of the year because we've reflected on how poorly we may have done in the previous year. So we make plans to wash the stain of the past year with renewed (and maybe premature, too) determination to be better people by our own effort so that in the end, we can proudly say that I did this because of me. While it is tempting, we end up forgetting who the focus of our year – our everyday lives, really – should be. Our year shouldn't be so that WE could shine and be the stars of our lives. We should remind ourselves that from the moment we've accepted Jesus into our lives, we've basically accepted that we’re never going to bring glory to ourselves. And if anyone be glorified, it should be Him.

Not to us, dear God, but to You be the glory. May our eyes always shift towards You. May we learn to love who You love. May we commit to faithfully obeying You. Humble our hearts, break us if You have to. Use us as a vessel, Lord, that Your majesty may shine through us. In Christ's name, Amen.