Les Misérables: R is for Redemption

"To obtain the release or restoration of, as from captivity, by paying a ransom." dictionary.com

I have been listening to my soundtrack of "Les Misérables" over and and over again. To the extent that I wake up in the middle of the night with the words on my mind! As I listen, it refreshes my memory of the scenes and theme of the book. And what is that theme? 

REDEMPTION, of course! The scenes and the songs scream the word . . . but it comes with a PRICE.

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Valjean is redeemed from a life of slavery to sin. It cost him a life without a conscious. Now, and forevermore, he must do what is right. Not what feels good. . .

Fantine, although she dies, in the end is rescued and redeemed from a life of prostitution. It cost Valjean his anonymity, and his job as Monsieur Mayor. He is now on the run.

Cosette is rescued from a life of child labor in the Thénardier's "business" and later, an isolated life (She is "found" by Marius). Jean Valjean must now live in hiding to protect her. Later, it costs him his constant companion, as she develops a relationship with Marius.


Marius is redeemed from death twice. Once by Eponine, who pays for it with her life as she intercepts the bullet meant for Marius. Then, Jean Valjean rescues Marius from the barricade and carries him to safety. But, it costs him his health, after sludging through the underground sewers of Paris.


Just the same, our salvation, or redemption from a life of sin (such as Valjean experienced), cost our Lord Jesus Christ His life. Not only that, but he BECAME our sin, so we could go free. He paid the price.

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Our sins to Christ were as offensive as the lifestyle of prostitution was to Fantine. Imagine all that ugliness and demoralization placed on Jesus. The Holy Son of God! As we repent and thank God for sending His son to die for us, he in turn, washes us clean!  What an oxymoron.  What grace and mercy!



He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  1 Peter 2:24

Have you been redeemed?