Pastor's Corner - September 9th, 2022

This week, Queen Elizabeth II died at the age of 96. She reigned for 70 years, and was the longest serving monarch to ever sit on the British throne. She has served so long that there are entire generations of people that have known no other monarch in England, though I'm sure a number of you remember her Father, King George IV who died in 1952. Elizabeth was coronated in 1953, the first fully televised coronation in the nations history. Making King Charles III's upcoming coronation only it's second televised coronation in the nation's history. Queen Elizabeth served with poise, grace and was much beloved by the people throughout Britain and the commonwealth. She was the epitome of royalty, class, and etiquette... and those characteristics will be missed in a world that values these things less and less as the years go by. 

In some ways - her death marks the ending of an era in Britain and the world.

Her son, Charles will ascend to the throne, and the line of succession has been adjusted - with Prince William, the Prince of Wales, next in line for the throne, and his oldest son Prince George moving into third in the line of succession. 

As I listened to the King's speech today, and the resulting commentaries and crowd noise, I realized how foreign the words, "God Save the King" sounded after so many years of "God Save the Queen", it really is a significant adjustment to the nation, particularly so soon after the appointment of the new Prime Minister of England, Liz Truss.

2nd Samuel 7 contains God's promise to David in covenant that his line would continue. 

Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more; nor shall the sons of wickedness oppress them anymore, as previously, since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel, and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the LORD tells you that He will make you a house."When your days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will chasten him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. But My mercy shall not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever." 

Jeremiah 33:17 mentions that there would never fail to be a ruler of the line of David on the throne over the Israelite people.

God assures the continuation of the physical monarchy of England, as a physical fulfillment of the promise He made to David before he died. King Charles III is the latest in that line as we move toward the return of Jesus Christ, the King and High Priest that is now at God's right hand awaiting His return, when all authority, all kingdoms, are handed over to the Father, fulfilling the spiritual promise of that Davidic covenant.

These are historic times, and the nation of Britain, will be tried and tested as they make this transition from the calm and steady rule of Queen Elizabeth for the past seven decades to a new monarch, and the perception/effect that they have on the nation as a whole. It will be interesting to see how King Charles does as he begins his reign. 

I hope you all have a wonderful Sabbath. 

With Love,
Ben