Les Misérables: Building Life Through Daily Obedience - Wesleyan (Matthew 7:24-27)

As we turn to the story of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables, imagine him in the shadowy streets of 19th-century France, a man marked by the weight of his past, yet yearning for redemption. Picture him standing amidst the ruins of his former life, the echoes of his choices reverberating around him. With every dawn, he is faced with a pivotal decision: Will he dwell in bitterness, allowing the stones of revenge and despair to build a crumbling foundation? Or will he choose the arduous path of righteousness, laying down each brick of obedience with intention and purpose?

With each act of kindness, from rescuing a fallen cart to caring for the orphaned Cosette, Valjean is not just making decisions; he is constructing a life upon the solid rock of faith. Just as Jesus said in Matthew 7:24-27, he embodies the wise builder, hearing the words of truth and living them out. Each choice is like a hand-placed stone, meticulously fitting into the growing structure of his character—a character that is not immune to storms, but is certainly prepared for them.

Can you sense the grit under his fingernails? The sweat on his brow as he chisels away at the remnants of his past? He could have succumbed to the easy path—self-interest, deceit, despair—but instead, he chooses to lean into hesed, that steadfast love and loyalty that God calls us to embody. With every compassionate act, Valjean fortifies his foundation, transforming his life into a testament of hope.

In our own journeys, we face similar choices daily. Each morning, we have the chance to lay a stone—whether it’s choosing forgiveness over anger or service over selfishness. Remember, dear friends, that our lives are built, stone by stone, through faithful obedience, creating a sanctuary that stands firm against life’s fiercest storms. Let us strive to build upon the rock, knowing that every faithful choice is a testament to the grace that sustains us.