Apr 11, 2012

the unlikely tale of Jonathan and Charlotte

watch this first...            
 
This video’s been doing the facebook rounds lately and I thought I’d add to the giant recycling bin that is the internet by linking and commenting on it.

The story of Charlotte and Jonathan struck me as an amazing illustration of grace.  Firstly Charlotte shows grace (unmerited favour) by loving the unlovable Jonathan.  In doing so she discovers there is much to love in Jonathan that no one else has discovered because they were busy judging his outward appearance.  Her love gives him the courage to do the outrageous – sing in front of millions of people and submit himself to their judgment.

What the millions discover is that he is an astounding opera singer!  But at 4min50 along comes the personification of law (the standard) himself; Simon Cowell.  He tells them “Charlotte, I think you’re good; but Jonathan, you are unbelievable, you are a future star… but I’m worried that Charlotte is going to hold you back” to which Jonathan replies “we came on here as a duo and we are going to stay as a duo.”

Jonathan was tempted in that moment to dump Charlotte to gain the world but what does he do?  He gives up the world to keep a friend and support her – he gives grace back to Charlotte at the expense of himself.  This is profound love and it reminds me so much of Christ who gave up the world to gain his enemies and at the expense of his life.