A Legacy of Our Lives—A Must & A Responsibility!
This morning, each person who chose to do so was given the privilege to sit and to watch the procession of Queen Elizabeth II’s body. In viewing this beautiful movement, in the soldiers carrying the casket of Her Majesty’s body, we watched how her body was moved from where it laid in state at Westminster Hall to where her funeral was to be performed at Westminster Abbey. We were granted the opportunity to see how soldiers, those who served under her rule, honored her body through their movement, gestures, and silence. Their eyes, Their movements, Their solemness, Their duty all pointed toward their dedicated service to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
As we watched—
- We were reminded of her faith, as the Archbishop of Canterbury spoke of her faith, seen through the way she carried out her duty as Queen.
- We heard the reading of Holy Scriptures, the Word of God.
- We heard her testimony recounted & seen through the way she lived her life.
- We heard the prayers offered to God as we watched those present honor her life with their presence.
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor never dreamed of being Queen Elizabeth II.
She was not born to be queen, but she became Queen.
This beautiful saintly lady watched the seasons of her life unfold, much in the same way we watch our seasons change as time marches by. Jesus Christ Himself spoke of this “watching,” this “waiting,” and this “preparing” for the day that will come. The Holy Spirit of God spoke to the Apostle Luke these words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ—
“And He told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees:
as soon as they put forth leaves, you see for yourselves and know that summer is now near.
So you too, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near.”
(Luke 21: 29-31 NASB)
If we gave our time to watch the entirety of the Queen’s funeral, then we found ourselves reminded of the way we live our testimony throughout the days we are given to live. In listening to those who spoke at her funeral, we heard them speak of the Queen, how she was often noted during her lifetime to speak of her faith. We too must speak of our faith as we walk through our life God has given us to live. Although we might not be granted the grandeur of a funeral such as the Queen’s when we depart this earth, we found ourselves reminded through the Archbishop’s words how we (too) are “sisters” and “brothers” through faith in Christ Jesus.
We are equal in death, if not in life.
One day, we too will follow the path Queen Elizabeth II has taken in her death.
In leaving this earth, we will join those who have passed on before us, those who, like us, believe in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus our Savior.
Nonetheless, as recorded in Luke’s gospel, Jesus continues to prepare us for what is to come.
“Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.
But be on your guard, so that your hearts will not be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that this day will not come on you suddenly, like a trap;
for it will come upon all those who live on the face of all the earth.”
(Luke 21: 32-35 NASB)
While we know Jesus is speaking of His second coming to earth, the Rapture of the Church, we find ourselves also reminded how we could pass away to our own death before this day will come to pass. We are to daily examine our souls. We are to remember from where God has taken us (in our sinful state) & where God promises to take us (as His children). We are responsible for our spiritual walk throughout this life. We are the only one who can draw ourselves close to Jesus. Only “I” can control “me” and “my actions.” We must honor God in the way we live, in the way we serve, and in the way we die. Whether we live long enough to see the Rapture or whether we come to our own death before the Rapture—we must be ready to meet God!
Jesus tells us so, and we would do well to believe Him!
“But stay alert at all times, praying that you will have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
(Luke 21: 36 NASB)
We will stand before God someday!
We will come face-to-face with Jesus, the Son of God someday!
We would do well to walk with the Holy Spirit of God today!
The soldiers, who served under her rule, honored her body through their moving tribute, their gestures, and even their silence.
Their eyes.
Their movements.
Their solemness.
Their duty.
Everything pointed toward the dedicated service to Her Majesty, the Queen of England.
We are the army of God, soldiers, who serve under God’s rule, who honor Him through our tribute, gestures, and humility.
- Our eyes are fixed only upon Him!
- Our daily movements are focused upon His leading as we go!
- Our solemn and humble service is God’s & only God’s!
Lest we remember:
We are to live our life to serve.
We are to live our life to honor God.
We are to live our life as a testimony of God’s goodness, grace, and mercy.
We are just passing through & sojourners here on earth.
- May we live well as a living witness; &
- May we follow Jesus in all that we do; &
- May we humbly serve our Father God as we live & as we come to our death.
“Only be careful for yourself and watch over your soul diligently, so that you do not forget the things which your eyes have seen and they do not depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your sons and your grandsons.”
[and to your daughters & to your granddaughters, &
to the rest of your family, & to your friends,
& to your neighbors, & to your colleagues—
for we live a legacy of life—one given only to Almighty God]
(Deuteronomy 4: 9 NASB)