Pastor Chris Seay shared his reflections on the film and story of Les Misérables, which depicts God's welcoming arms and loving mercy with truth and beauty. We are recipients of radical and undeserved grace. Will our hearts harden in shame like Javert, or like Jean Valjean will our lives be transformed as we turn our will over to God, humbled by the enormity of this gift?
Text
Galatians 6: 1-10
Reflection & Practice
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Like Valjean stealing a loaf of bread for a sick child, when have you done the wrong thing for the right reason? Share with your family or small group if you haven't done so.
Chris asked us to consider the character of Bishop Myriel, who says to Jean Valjean, "what we have, we have to share." What do you have to share? How will you make that an intentional practice this week?
Chris asked us to keep Galatians 6 handy. Commit to reaching verses 1-10 every day this week as a reminder of who the people of God are called to be and to do for one another.
Read the following lyrics from "What Have I Done". As you do, meditate on your own journey with God. None of us deserve the mercy and love that has been shown, and yet it is extended to us freely and lavishly. Have you fought with surrender? Are you still fighting?
Yet why did I allow that 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 the 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 had a soul,
How does he know?
What spirit comes to move my life?
Is there another way to go?
Worship
I Shall Not Be Shaken
All Creatures (Of Our God And King)
How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Open Up
Wood & Nails
House Of God Forever