Would you donate to us today?

×

With the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a page of history has been turned.

Whether you are a royalist or not, it seems to me that Queen Elizabeth was honourable in many ways and that she deserves the respect of all, especially Christians. Allow me to share with you some aspects of her testimony and of her life that edify and caused me to feel sadness today upon learning of her departure.

The Word of God instructs us in the first letter of Peter: “Honor everyone; love the brethren; fear God; honor the King” (1 Peter 2:17 NEG).

Queen Elizabeth II is no more, she is relieved of her crown; and I want to believe that Elizabeth celebrates with perfect freedom and joy in the presence of Christ, the only King of kings of all the earth.

All Christian subjects of Queen Elizabeth II are called, by the Word of God, to honour her regardless of her probity, her integrity. Now, in the person of Elizabeth II we had a lady devoted to her duties, and of recognized integrity.

Royalty, when it is not taken by force but inherited is an extraordinary vocation. Although we are talking about a constitutional monarchy, which limits the powers and responsibilities of the monarch, to devote one’s life from the age of 25—and for more than 70 years to such a vocation—shows a remarkable strength of conviction.

Embracing a Vocation

Despite the vocation of a sovereign, with all its demands of duties, lack of private life, moral responsibility towards the nation, Elizabeth did not embrace it with ambition and pride but with dedication and faithfulness.

What an inspiration for all of us who are called to more humble vocations, but no less honourable in the eyes of God, each one receiving a different call from our Creator. Her fidelity and devotion inspire me in my vocations as a husband, a father, a citizen, and a pastor.

Personal Moral Rightness

In this era of extreme media coverage, public scandals are multiplying so much that they become commonplace, and give rise to a cynicism and disengagement towards our institutions. Churches, of whatever denomination, bear a heavy responsibility in this regard by the unimaginable number of public moral mistakes committed by pastors.

Queen Elizabeth II, for her part, has been splashed and humiliated by many moral lapses in several members of her family, and yet, to my knowledge, she herself has preserved the dignity of watching over her own choices and behaviour for over 70 years.

What a lesson in perseverance, in resilience for all Christians in the world to watch over our own witness and to remain faithful no matter what choices our loved ones make.

Witness to the faith

Finally, on several occasions, she was able to display a firm faith in Jesus Christ at a time when the whole of the West was questioning and even rejecting Christianity.

Here is one of her quotes: “God has sent into the world a unique person – not a philosopher or a general (however important they may be) – but a Savior, with the power to forgive.”

Whatever vocations God places on our lives, we are called to offer the witness of our faith in Jesus Christ, whether we are a queen or a student, a mechanic, or a police officer.

Three Prayers

We can pray and ask God, in his infinite goodness, to give us governments, and rulers who possess all these beautiful qualities manifested by this noble lady.

We can pray that God will console her family, and all her subjects who saw in her a strength of character, an exceptional dedication, and a concrete representation of a morality and values that are rare among heads of state.

We can pray that God will grant us to be found faithful in our callings and responsibilities and equally inspiring when the time comes for us to depart.

Queen Elizabeth II is no more, she is relieved of her crown; and I want to believe that Elizabeth celebrates with perfect freedom and joy in the presence of Christ, the only King of kings of all the earth.

LOAD MORE
Loading