You Forgot the Candlesticks

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So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You “ He said to him, “Tend My lambs.” He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.” John 21:15-17 (NASB)

Les Misérables tells the story of ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert.

The drama begins with Valjean finishing a 19-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. Inspector Javert reminds him of his past sins and prophesies that he is and always will be a marked man. But a godly bishop shows Valjean kindness and hospitality. Valjean repays the bishop’s kindness by stealing his silver. The next day, the police catch him and bring him and the silver back to the bishop. The bishop gives him a second chance, much like Jesus did for Peter in John 21. He tells the police that he gave the silver to Valjean. Then he extends even more grace by telling Valjean that he “forgot to take the silver candlesticks too.” These words of restoration and the experience of being forgiven empowers Valjean to become an honest man.

Forgiveness is a liberating act for both the giver and the receiver. It shatters the “old man” in each case and creates new creatures in Christ. Valjean’s transformation is powerfully demonstrated by his taking on a new identity as a mayor and a businessman. From these positions of power, he became a dispenser of the same grace and kindness that he himself had received. Forgiveness offers second chances!

But throughout the musical, Valjean is pursued by Inspector Javert, whose personal and professional world are governed by law and justice. Unlike Valjean who received forgiveness, Javert could neither receive grace nor forgive. He, like Judas, was trapped in a world of bitterness and resentment. Sadly, both were overwhelmed with regret and committed suicide. Remember: Forgive and live!

Walter Harvey

PONDER: How has forgiveness made your life more complete? Have you ever retaliated against someone, and if so, at what price?

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The Power of Grace

Les MisIn the musical version of Victor Hugo’s epic story, Les Misérables, the lead character, Jean Valjean, sings these poignant words after being humbled by the kindness of a forgiving bishop.

Yet why did I allow this man
To touch my soul and teach me love? He treated me like any other
He gave me his trust
He called me brother
My life he claims for God above
Can such things be?
For I had come to hate this world This world that always hated me

Take an eye for an eye!
Turn your heart into stone!
This is all I have lived for!
This is all I have known!
One word from him and I’d be back Beneath the lash, upon the rack Instead he offers me my freedom,
I feel my shame inside me like a knife He told me that I have a soul,
How does he know?
What spirit came to move my life?
Is there another way to go?

Comments welcome below.

Past days’ readings HERE.

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3 thoughts on “You Forgot the Candlesticks”

  1. The movie Places of the Heart with Danny Glover and Sally Field portray a similar scene. A widowed White woman befriends a Black stranger. Together they form a friendship and partnership of economic and moral wealth. May the Church do even more!

  2. Father, no matter the failures I have made in my life, you love me anyway and showed me the path to redemption. Father your transforming act of love and forgiveness has not only reconciled my soul back to you, it also empowers me to forgive and love others the same…
    Lord Jesus, the reality of my reconciliation is evident by your nail-pierced hands, your love, forgiveness and sacrifice. Lord, the truth of my reconciliation was made possible through your defeat of death by “allowing” death to conquer you…WOW! What a Savior!…
    Holy Spirit, help me only to see the past through your eyes, so that I am not deceived. Spirit, the enemy tries to trap me in my past failures daily, by telling me that I am not worthy of the Savior’s redemption, Holy Spirit, thank you for revealing to me the lies of the enemy, and continuing to show me the truth of this reconciled life and its freedom…

    Almighty God, the season of obedience is here…

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