Defeated?

It may appear that David Cameron has been defeated by yesterday's Commons vote. Enough MPs from all parties voted against following the Prime Minister's lead, so there will be no immediate reaction from the UK to respond to chemical weapons attacks in Damascus. 

Following lessons learned from the Iraq disaster, I for one am very relieved at this apparent defeat. 

But I wonder whether this defeat will turn out to be a victory not only for common sense, but also for the common people of our land, who have mostly believed that politicians don't listen to our views. 

Tony Blair and his government didn't listen in the days leading up to the Iraq invasion, but this time, David Cameron has.

My mind quickly moves to another apparent defeat, which turned out much better than it was expected. 

Luke tells the story with great skill, as he describes the sense of defeat and hopelessness. 'The stranger asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” 

They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 

“What things?” Jesus asked. 

“The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago.' (Luke 24.17-21)

The apparent disaster of the crucifixion left the followers of Jesus devastated. But the story didn't end there, as we know. 'As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 

They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?”  And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” (Luke 24.30-34)

From this story I learn that whatever I am facing, God has a better ending in mind to anything I can imagine. Difficulties, defeats, disasters, despair and death will not have the last word. Jesus has defeated death and decay, and is alive to walk with us through today and all our tomorrows.

Let us set out on today's journey with hope in our hearts and a smile on our faces. That will bring Good News to all we meet.

Best wishes,

Richard