Queen Elizabeth II was celebrated with an official state funeral on Monday, September 19, 2022. This public funeral and celebration of Queen Elizabeth II marked the official close of a 70 year era. In England, The Royal family, unlike Prime Ministers, remain in leadership until death do they part from their position. There have been a few exceptions, such as an abduction by King Edward the VIII, however, these decisions are very rare. Queen Elizabeth II reigned in England, United Kingdom, the country I was born and raised in, for seventy years. She kept her vow, unswervingly, to the country and remained true to her word and prayer to serve and reign as Queen. Seventy is a very significant number. Biblically, seven signifies completion. “Numbers in Biblical times were often symbolic of a deeper meaning. The number seven is especially prominent in Scripture, appearing over 700 times. From the seven days of Creation to the many “sevens” in Revelation, the number seven connotes such concepts as completion and perfection, exoneration and healing, and the fulfillment of promises and oaths. (“What is the Biblical Significance of the number seven?” Christianity.com) It is very significant that Queen Elizabeth II died after a time that the country was transitioning from one Prime Minister to another. She met with Boris Johnson, the exiting Prime Minister and Liz Truss the entering Prime Minister during the official time of transition to honor the country’s constitution. A female took the helm of leadership in place of a male Prime Minister. Queen Elizabeth has transferred her role to a male, her son, who is now King Charles. A male and a female are leaders of the Constitution in England once again. Time and seasons are so important to recognize. King Solomon wrote that there is a time and season for everything under the sun. “There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NIV). A Change in leadership facilitates a change in an era. A door has been closed and another has been opened. Something new is coming as the old and familiar becomes less prominent. Queen Elizabeth II was beloved by millions and respected by hundreds of distinguished leaders. Like King David, Elizabeth was revered by many. She also epitomized personal and corporate worship to God. Leading by example, she had a personal relationship with the Lord that was highlighted during the official service held for her state funeral. "She would go to worship every week…. She prayed before her coronation…. She called to let someone know she was praying for them…” What examples do we as christians provide to others? What will we be remembered for? What will the end of this 70 year era open up to those of us who remain? The most obvious and immediate change is a new monarch. In the spiritual realm, there was a distinct announcement that Queen Elizabeth had completed her task. A double rainbow was seen above the palace on the day of her transition. The rainbow, in scripture, signifies God’s covenant promise to man to relent from destroying humanity by flood. It signifies hope and the fulfillment of God’s covenant promise with humanity. “It is intriguing that so many myths explain the rainbow as some sort of supernatural “bridge,” because the most important theme that the rainbow illustrates for us is God’s gracious and grand purpose of redemption to give humanity a chance to start again.” (“What Is the Meaning of the Rainbow in the Bible?” Christianity.com) Will there be a distinct resetting of what is currently defined as the Church of England? Will this royal family continue in the traditions of old? Will relationships with countries recognized as a United Kingdom be adjusted and those within a Common Wealth redefined? Will past negative actions by England towards others in humanity be atoned for? Time alone will tell. Let God be glorified and His kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. The most important kingdom for all mankind is the kingdom of God. Unlike human royalty, the sovereign Lord reigns eternally. Scripture informs us that as priest the Lord intercedes in prayer for all people and reigns as the King of Glory for all time. “ where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:20 (NIV). Let us continue to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. We are invited to become part of this royal family through the acceptance of the free gift of salvation. Like the prodigal son, let us all return to our rightful position. Let us choose to live a spiritual life of abundance in relationship with our Father who art in heaven. © 2018-2022, Annette O. Brown Creations, Media. All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured by the author.
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AuthorAnnette Brown embarked on a life journey of Christianity, over 20 years ago. A reflective educator and avid constructivist - reflection has been a part of her daily work and a tool for personal growth and assessment. Birthed out of this practice is reflection connected to divinely inspired insight and revelation . Her first book "Encounters and Reflections - Can you hear me now" encompasses these perspectives through a lens of story telling and photographic images. Archives
September 2024
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© 2018-2024 Annette O. Brown Creations, Media. All rights reserved. Written permission must be secured by the author.