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.
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