For those that need a synopsis Jean Valjean has just been released from 19 years of imprisonment when he breaks his parole by stealing from a priest. The priest spares him his life, essentially, and makes him promise to use what he stole to make himself a good man. So the musical is the story of Valjean running away from his past and trying to create a new image of himself.
The first thing is was thinking about, being the nerd that I am, was what this musical says about society in the time that it was written. And then I thought, "well, in a hundred years when someone is watching a production of Wicked (my all time favorite musical), what will they be thinking about our society?" It's kind of scary and weird to think that the facets of our media portray something about our society, don't you think?
The second thing I found myself thinking about was a great image of mercy and justice throughout as time and time again Valjean's life was spared because he insists on keeping his word and helping those in need. Which ties into the third thing I thought about, which was the path of salvation.
Aren't we all like Valjean? We have been held captive to our sins all our life and when we are freed from them, we are constantly reminded by the world that our sin defines who we were, but not who we are. Romans says that we become a "new creation." How true! As Valjean tries to establish himself, the brand on his chest tells people that he is not of their world. Our brand is on our heart.
Valjean's journey is more than that of an ex-convict, but that of a flawed human. "for ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (just a little reminder for those of you who think you're perfect just because you went to church last week). Are there earthly punishments for those sins that are "worse" than others? Absolutely yes! There would be anarchy without them. But none the less, anything that is not absolute perfection is short of God's glory, and even our best is filthy rags.
Valjean spends his entire life running from his sin and doing the noble things he feels compelled to do. Are yous starting to see the picture? We, as Christians especially sometimes feel that we cannot bring our sin to the forefront because we are supposed to have this persona to the world that we are above them. NOT TRUE. We all have things we are ashamed of and wish weren't part of our past. But the good news, like Valjean, is that our debt has been paid whether it be by 19 years of slavery or by the blood of Christ. There is nothing more we have to do! All we are called to do is live according to God's will and bring Him glory! Is it hard to establish yourself in a new type of society, say like college? OF COURSE it is! But who ever said the freedman's life is easy? It's not. Paul said that too "rejoice in tribulation dear brothers."
In the end, these are just the crazy messed up thoughts of an English major. But I think it's interesting that, whether it was intentional or not, it shows an amazing portrayal of the life of bondage the Christian lives. First we are slaves to sin, then we are enslaved to Christ. (Again, Paul....this dude was a smart cookie)
Next chance you get, go see Les Miserables. It is officially endorsed by a nerdy college kid.
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