July 30, 2026 – Daily Devotional
“So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” -Galatians 6:10
One of my favorite characters in musical theatre is Bishop Myriel. Bishop Myriel is a key role in the powerful musical Les Misérables. This amazing musical is based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. Bishop Myriel, in both the book and the musical, is a pivotal character who helps change Jean Valjean’s life. The Bishop encounters Jean Valjean, homeless and hopeless, and invites him to come and stay at his residence, where he can rest and be fed. Jean Valjean’s encounter with this humble, caring clergy sends him down the path of redemption and new life.
Victor Hugo based his character on a real-life Bishop. Bishop Charles-Francois Bienvenu Myriel. Victor Hugo wanted a person who represented patience, redemption, hospitality, and kindness. Victor Hugo’s son was against using a clergy for this role in the book. He wanted a more secular person to personify these characteristics. Victor Hugo eventually went with the image that felt best to him…the Bishop who spent a life in service to others. It is the Bishop who represents our God of the same character.
How do we best represent our faith? What are the characteristics that best exemplify Jesus, the One we follow? I love the character of Bishop Myriel because he reminds me of how I am to represent our faith. He extends hospitality to the hopeless. He offers grace, even in the face of significant failure and missteps. He gives a chance for redemption to a life many considered lost. These are the things that represent the beauty of our faith. These are the things we all need, from time to time.
When Jean Valjean encounters the Bishop, he meets God. Bishop Myriel hopes his actions will help Jean Valjean lead a better and more full life, so he sings, “Remember this, my brother. See in this some higher plan…”
We are all called to share the love of God and offer hope to the world. When we are hospitable and kind, we share God’s gracious love. Bishop Myriel helps us to ask the important questions of ourselves. How will our actions today help others to see God? How will we work today to bring new life to those around us? How will we help others to see a higher plan?
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
