Dear Friends,
I guess all of us were surprised by the suddenness of the late Queen’s death. Only a couple
of days earlier she was involved with greeting the new Prime Minister and then within a very
short period of time we were told that the family were being gathered. Then the announcement came of her death which does bring about significant change in our national
situation and in the Commonwealth. Due to the length of her reign there is really nobody in
national leadership who has any experience of the situation we now find ourselves in. How
should we respond as Christian believers?
Firstly, with gratitude that God provided us with an earthly monarch who has been beneficial
to us as a nation. Romans 13: 1 tells us, ‘For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.’ As a constitutional monarch the Queen’s authority and influence has been indirect but she certainly has had an ethos of service to her people and, in many respects, she has been an example to her people. That has been sustained for some 70 years which is remarkable. A number of people who are certainly not keen monarchists have been clear about their admiration for her personally, although they do not have the same feelings for the institution of monarchy.
Secondly, with trusting prayer. With the accession of King Charles the third there is a change that has not taken place within the memory of most of us. We need to pray for those in
authority as we are commanded to do – particularly as this is taking place in very unsettled
times. Our obligation to pray doesn’t change because it is something God has commanded
us to do. (1 Timothy 2: 1 + 2), ‘First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high
positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.’ In
some respects the Queen’s public affirmation of the Christian faith has enabled this to
largely be the case during our lifetimes but we are to realize that ultimately (Proverbs 21: 1),
‘The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.’
Thirdly, with a confident hope. However glorious they may be in our sight we always need to
be conscious that every earthly kingdom and authority is temporary and their glory will pass
away. God ordains and controls all of human history and accomplishes his purposes through
earthly kingdoms but then always moves on. (Daniel 2: 44), ‘The God of heaven will set up a
kingdom that shall never be destroyed’ and (Hebrews 12: 28 + 29), ‘let us be grateful for
receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship
with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.’
Do pray for the Royal Family at this difficult time and remember our nation during a time of
change and uncertainty. Do so with confidence in our God and his eternal kingdom and
purposes.
Yours in the Lord,
Mike (10th September 2022)
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