Death of HM The Queen - How should we respond?

 

 

We are living through a major historical event with the recent death of The Queen and the accession of the new King. How should we respond to the loss of someone who has been our longest reigning monarch? Here are some reflections from the Elders - 

Thanksgiving and prayer. 
1 Timothy 2.1 says: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority.” This means that whatever our views may be on the monarchy, we’re right to give thanks for The Queen’s life, example, and trust in Jesus, just as we do for other Christians who die.  With the length of her reign and the pressure she lived under, it is a quite remarkable example of integrity.  Praise God.

Hope. 
1 Thessalonians 4.13 says Christians should “not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.”  It’s interesting seeing our nation grieve.  For some it’s a show but for others it’s real.  Huge numbers have shed tears and left flowers even though they never met her, and we all expected her death at some point after an incredibly long life.  There will be many reasons for this. But perhaps part of it is Ecclesiastes 3.11 that says “God has set eternity in the hearts of mankind.”  Whatever atheists say about death being natural and the end, we all have a deep sense that it isn’t.  We’re made for eternity so even a long life is not enough.  With all the power and privileges of monarchy, even Queens die - and so will we.  But we respond with bright hope, because Jesus is risen and he will do what no health care service or wealth could do - he will give eternity to us, as he has for her.  Perhaps there’s someone you can talk to about this hope this week.

Locating your security in heaven. 
The Queen's death may feel like one of so many earthquakes in recent times.  Some of us feel that all these seemed secure, and sacred, all we’d known, has being torn down.  But Hebrews 12.28 reminds us “we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”   

Be bold. 
The Queen was a hugely public figure, but she wasn’t ashamed of Jesus.  Here is an extract from the Queen's Christmas speech in 2011 - 

“For many, this Christmas will not be easy. With our armed forces deployed around the world, thousands of service families face Christmas without their loved ones at home. The bereaved and the lonely will find it especially hard. And, as we all know, the world is going through difficult times. All this will affect our celebration of this great Christian festival.

Finding hope in adversity is one of the themes of Christmas. Jesus was born into a world full of fear. The angels came to frightened shepherds with hope in their voices: ‘Fear not’, they urged, ‘we bring you tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ‘For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.’

Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general, important though they are, but a Saviour, with the power to forgive. Forgiveness lies at the heart of the Christian faith. It can heal broken families, it can restore friendships and it can reconcile divided communities. It is in forgiveness that we feel the power of God’s love.

In the last verse of this beautiful carol, O Little Town of Bethlehem, there’s a prayer:

O Holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.

It is my prayer that on this Christmas Day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.”