With the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, the focus on the enduring significance and value of the British monarchy is ,once again, brought into sharp relief.
Whilst the momentary emphasis rests on the Queen’s life and legacy, how she upheld royal values and traditions, we need to remember that the substance of the British monarchy transcends the life contribution of one exemplary individual. Though many will superficially attribute the success of Queen Elizabeth’s reign to her being a strong women, a dedicated mother, a compassionate leader, or a staunch traditionalist, there is something of greater substance that animated this life of enduring commitment–eternal authority.
In the face of the modern Western world ,with ever increasing haste, abandoning its time honoured foundations of Christian values, logic-based reason, political authority, and freedom, in a futile attempt to placate every interest group that its past conventions and actions may have offended; the institution of the British monarchy endures as a steadfast bedrock, supporting deep foundational values that shamelessly challenge the watching world of the true nature of the universe we inhabit–a royal universe.
Whether it is acknowledged or not, the universe ‘is’ governed by an eternal king. God, the ruler over all things, created the universe and rightfully exercises his authority in governing it. In acknowledgement of this fact, inextricably woven into the constitutional fabric of the British monarchy stands the unswerving belief in the absolute authority of the one eternal God–who bestows authority on earthy rulers to govern, for better or worse, on his behalf.
Not only was Queen Elizabeth committed to this divine truth by the necessity of her position, but was unashamedly committed in personal devotion to the King himself–Jesus Christ.
Indeed, her enduring devotion, unfailing commitment, and resolute determination to her calling as monarch can only be properly understood in the light of this meta-narrative. Consequently, seeing herself as existing in God’s royal universe as an appointed sub-regent, taking seriously that appointment cannot result in anything less than a life faithfully devoted to a cause that ultimately augments the advancement of the greatest kingdom of all –God’s kingdom.
Such a view of the British monarch, helps us make sense of why the apostle Paul encourages Christians to pray for their leaders, ‘ 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. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.’ 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
Though Paul lived in largely pagan world, and the kings he had in mind were probably emperors who viewed themselves as divine beings, he nevertheless encouraged Christians to view their world through the lens of God’s ‘royal universe’ and direct their prayers to this end.
From these verses, we see that Paul understood the advancement of the gospel project and the kingdom of God it promoted, was largely conditioned by the context in which it was delivered; a context in which Christians were encouraged to pray that God would constructively intervene in. Indeed, Paul knew that a peaceful and stable society was conducive to godly dignified living, living that was,in turn, conducive to the advancement of the gospel of salvation and the message of truth that accompanied it.
So, as we reflect on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the advent of the reign of Charles III, and the royal universe the British monarchy acknowledges and upholds, may your prayers be directed constructively toward the continuation of this enlightening institution, the new King that rules over it, and the peaceful environment it endeavours to engender that the gospel of Jesus Christ might be advanced in our time.
Spirit & Truth 