Victory & Defeat

VE Day is a bittersweet reminder that the war in Europe ended 70 years ago. While the Allies could rejoice in their hard-fought victory, those defeated had little to celebrate. But in the years since then, through the hard work of French and German leaders, enemies have become friends and colleagues, and there has been a measure of stability in Western Europe unknown in its turbulent history. This particular 'Victory & Defeat' has produced many good results.

Today's election results, so far from what what predicted, has produced clear winners - the Conservatives and the Scottish Nationalists - and clear losers - the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats. 'Victory & Defeat' here may be better or worse than the past, depending on your point of view. These next few years will be interesting!

Victory & Defeat is at the heart of the Bible's story. 

The illegal execution of Jesus outside the walls of Jerusalem certainly looked like a disastrous defeat, but St. Paul tells us that it was a decisive victory.  'Jesus disarmed the spiritual rulers and authorities. He shamed them publicly by his victory over them on the cross.' (Colossians 2.15) 

In his letter to the Romans, Paul again emphasises that the death of Jesus was God's way to win an outstanding victory over all the forces of sin and death, so that we can know peace and security, as we trust in Jesus.'If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.' (Romans 8.31-34)

In the light of this wonderful victory, Jesus calls us to be peace-makers in our day. Our politicians have the responsibility of making the future better for all in our nations, and locally, we can make a difference. 'God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God.' (Matthew 5.9)

Best wishes,

Richard