The latest film version of Les Miserables has been nominated for eight Oscars and many more awards.
Already an outstanding stage success, Victor Hugo’s historical novel first published in 1862 is considered one of the greatest books of the nineteenth century. The story has many themes; the greatest is of ex-convict Jean Valjean becoming a force for change despite his dark past.
The story progresses from evil to good, from injustice to justice and from nothingness to God. The generosity and forgiveness shown to the destitute Valjean by Bishop Myriel begins his story of redemption, and it’s no wonder that Les Misarables has captured the hearts and minds of generations.
Twenty years before Les Misarbles appeared John Newton gave the world the hymn ‘Amazing grace’ The struggles we see in the work of Hugo matched Newton’s experience of being a slave driver who was changed by the experience of God’s forgiveness.
Both tell of those condemned finding redemption through God’s grace while at the same time challenging us never to lose hope regardless of the depths of guilt and regret we may feel for the wrongs we have done.
Jesus proclaimed from the cross ‘Father forgive’ and his suffering love is the source of such assurance which can radically change our lives forever. In the words of John Newton ‘I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see’ and that surely is Amazing grace!
Click here to find out more about the Rev. David Jones.
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