You Forgot the Candlesticks

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

In 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?

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