Daily Devotional

Les Misérables does not sound like the story that would inspire joy, purpose, and calling, considering its direct translation is “The Miserable” or “The Wretched.” Truthfully, the nearly 3 hours long musical, or the 1,463 pages of novel might incite a heaviness to anyone unfamiliar with the tale. However, Les Mis is so full of passion, vigor, and inspiration that it is difficult to walk out without feeling the power of what feels like a 300-person army (even though it is only 33 on stage). The songs from this musical are some of the most iconic in the Broadway canon, and when the audience hears the overture, it creates a swell of emotion, much like The Phantom of the Opera.

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus,

I love the Lord, for he heard my voice;
he heard my cry for mercy.
Because he turned his ear to me,
I will call on him as long as I live.

In 1953, the Israeli Parliament established Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center. This sacred place is entrusted with the task of researching, documenting, and educating the world about the Holocaust that killed over 6 million Jews and millions of other people who stood against the Nazis. Yad Vashem works to keep the names and the memory of these victims so they will not be forgotten. This place is essential. The world must remember these victims while being encouraged to actively hold back the evil that can cause such atrocities to occur.

Jesus was teaching about the greatest commandment, which is summed up in loving God and loving neighbor. While he was teaching, a lawyer tested Jesus, looking for a definition of “neighbor.” In response to this question, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan.

In 1943, Copenhagen, Denmark was under Nazi occupation. The Germans were planning a surprise, mass round-up of the Jewish population of Copenhagen. The plan was to send the Danish Jews to concentration camps. This surprise roundup would have undoubtedly led to the death of thousands of Jews. The Jewish population was in serious trouble. Thankfully, one brave man considered the people of Copenhagen, all the people of Copenhagen, to be people who needed love and care.

“Love Lifted Me” was first written and published in 1912. It was written by James Rowe, an Irish immigrant to the United States. James knew a life of hard work but also a life of faith. His faith taught him that God was love and that God loved His children. It did not take long for “Love Lifted Me” to become a favorite among Methodists worldwide. Most notably, it was found in the Cokesbury Hymnal, a hymnal that was used by many Methodists and was first published in 1923.

Fiddler on the Roof is set against the backdrop of 1905 Russia. In the musical, the Jewish families of the fictitious village of Anatevka are facing forced removal from their homes. This brings great fear and worry as they strive to hold onto their faith and their homes.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.