I was a huge fan of Queen Elizabeth II, and I was a fan on four different personal levels. As a British history junkie, I was always fascinated by her willingness to assume so much responsibility at such a young age, and to remain steadfast in her duties for over seven decades. As a pastor, I was always impressed by her unrelenting commitment to what she perceived to be the divine calling upon her life, and by her execution of that calling with excellence and grace. As an undershepherd, I was always moved by her unwavering example of true servant-leadership, nearly unparalleled in the public eye in my opinion. And, as a follower of Christ, I continued to marvel at her humble and sincere devotion to our Lord.
A couple of days before the queen’s funeral, I posted a prayer request on Facebook: that others would join me in asking God to bless Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, in a special way as he prepared to preach the gospel to a global audience. I trust that those prayers were answered. The one true Sovereign has promised us that He never sends His Word without accomplishing His intended purposes through that Word (Isaiah 55:11).
There are many moments that could be recounted, but I’ll focus on just one. In your mind’s eye, travel with me to Westminster Abbey and let’s perch for a moment under those magnificent gothic arches. Imagine a congregation gathered for worship, and imagine 5.1 billion people watching and listening, many having never before witnessed a Christian funeral service.
Imagine the words of resurrection hope that were shared with conviction, and imagine the gospel truths which were communicated in the historic and majestic liturgy of the Church of England. Imagine.
Now, picture this! The congregation, comprised of the most powerful leaders of the free world, breaks out in song …
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav’n, to earth come down,
Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,
All Thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, Thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love Thou art.
Visit us with Thy salvation;
Enter every trembling heart …
Finish then Thy new creation;
True and spotless let us be.
Let us see Thy great salvation
Perfectly restored in Thee.
Changed from glory into glory,
‘Til in heav’n we take our place,
‘Til we cast our crowns before Thee,
Lost in wonder, love, and praise.
It blows my mind. Worldly power on display, in living color, and yet an undeniable testimony that the grandest and brightest crowns of this earth will one day be strewn at the feet of Jesus. Soon and very soon in fact.
Many may have missed the message, but I suspect that many did not. This is my hope for this war-torn, pandemic-weary, and morally bankrupt world: the matchless Word of the living God. We have no other.
Shining light into the darkness. Speaking truth into the deception. Sparking hope among the hopeless. It’s simply what God does. We don’t even have to imagine. Said Welby, “The pattern for all who serve God … famous or obscure, respected or ignored … is that death is the door to glory.”
Even the 1662 Book of Common Prayer can pierce the modern heart, because its words are not its own. God’s words shake heaven and earth. In the lyrics of Martin Luther, “God’s truth abideth still. His kingdom is forever.”
Forever indeed, friends. And here’s the good news: Christ’s tomb is empty! Elizabeth’s King lives! He reigns! He reigns! He reigns!
So you and I do not lose hope.
Pastor Charles
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