Summary: In the 19th century masterpiece, “Les Miserables,” the character Javert is strikingly similar to the Pharisees of Scripture. In the story, Javert spent his entire life fault-finding, finger-pointing and not extending grace or forgiveness. He was consumed by other’s wrongdoings and did not believe that anyone could ever truly change for the better. He was convinced that once a criminal, always a criminal. You can see how Javert’s character flaws make him quite a ruthless inspector. Eventually when he realized he’d broken his own rules, he took his own life. And you know- that is just what dead religion does. It leads to either pride in your piety or despair in your inability to keep it all going. But friend, God did not intend for us to live this way. The Good News of Jesus Christ is that He did it all. On the cross, with His last breath He proclaimed, “It is finished...” And what glorious words those are! He didn’t say- “I did as much as I could, but I still need you to follow certain rules, and be a very good person if I’m going to love you.” Thank goodness! Jesus Christ longs to give us total forgiveness, a new life and fresh start. He longs to help us move on from past mistakes and evil behavior. And He’s done it all! Will you share this Great News with a friend today, and enjoy it yourself?
