Today’s resignation by the Prime Minister is a pivotal moment in the life of this nation, and reflects a right desire for honesty and integrity from those in positions of responsibility.

Truth and integrity are commended many times in the scriptures as being the best way to live. This is a moment of opportunity, to reclaim some of the values which we say matter to us, but which have become all-too-scarce in some parts of public life.

It would be naïve to suggest that all will be well from now on. Like all of us, any political leader is tempted to make the sinful mistake of saying or doing what is expedient, rather than what is right. For those of us not in politics, it is easier to criticise others than to take hard look in the mirror. But there is a chance that honesty and integrity will be more prominent in future – you might like to pray for this.

The gospel writer John, after whom our parish church is named, quotes Jesus saying, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8.32). Let’s pray that this will be our experience.

But, whoever becomes our next leader, he or she will inevitably disappoint many people. There is only one leader who will not let us down, and that is Jesus. Truth can sometimes be a vague idea but, further on in John’s gospel from our first quote, Jesus described himself as THE truth:

“I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14.6).

Jesus offers a REAL new start. Thank God for that.