To God be the glory for this historic milestone of the longest-serving monarch in British history, the Queen Elizabeth II. The Scriptural record gives us a different perspective to think about age and time, especially when we feel there is so much to accomplish even at an advanced age. At age 90, God renewed his promise to Abraham as the father of many nations. Abraham at 100 and Sarah at 90 finally had Isaac. For them, it was twenty five years before their ‘fullness of time.’

The Queen of the United Kingdom: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados and 10 other independent countries, and the head of the Commonwealth who was born on 21st April 1926 and coronated at Westminster Abbey, London on 2nd June 1953 is ninety today. The Queen and Prince Philip consented to their marriage and announced the engagement on July 9th 1947 and as the first royal festivity since the end of World War II, the couple tied the knot on November 20th, 1947 in Westminster Abbey. The Queen’s inner beauty of faith in God far exceeded her outward appearance. In the process of time, God transformed the Queen into a benchmark for courage, loyal, and faithful wife, mother and leader. The Queen as Defender of Faith with a clear dependence on Christ and Supreme Governor of the Church of England is a shining example of the practice of Christian faith (Canon A7). She has witnessed 7 Popes, 7 Archbishops of Canterbury, 12 UK Prime Ministers, 12 American Presidents, 15 Nigerian Prime Ministers/Head of State/Presidents, and 155 Arab Kings.

The monarchy is a sacred contract and the Queen continues to unite the people of Commonwealth as a ‘community of Christians with real believers in the great gospel of salvation – men who still accepted the old creeds, and had no doubt Christ died to save them …’ The Queen, a majestic and iconic spiritual and public figure for Europe while upholding the true identity of the Church as revealed by the Truth of the Word of God is also ensuring that the biblical essentials are ‘not affected by the introduction or removal of certain jurisdictions of human origin … or by the prevalence of abuse or corruptions in doctrine or practice amongst the people.’ In 2015, the Queen’s Christmas message focused on the importance of the Christian faith both for her personally and for the nation. According to the Bishop of Exeter, Robert Atwell, ‘the Queen has steered Britain through some challenging and difficult times over the past seven decades, providing the country with stability and wisdom. She is an inspiration to many people, young and old. The Queen’s 90th birthday gives an opportunity not only to thank God for her service, but to celebrate the gifts of all older people in our society.’ My reflection on Bishop Atwell’s statement is that the Queen’s remarkable example is in the book of Hebrews, chapter 11, which recounts many inspiring stories of faith. In the fullness of time, with laughter of faith, peace, comfort and spiritual satisfaction, the Queen’s story will surely rank with the Hebrew Bible’s example of a faithful leader.

Looking at the life of the church over the previous 90 years, the Queen’s approval of two prayers (or Collects) published in traditional and modern forms for the celebration of her 90th Birthday provides a helpful intercession for the future of Christianity especially in the West. Dr Matthew Salisbury, National Liturgy and Worship Adviser for the Church of England said, ‘The prayers offer thanksgiving and praise for the long service of the Queen. They ask that through God’s grace and inspired by her example of faith and service for others we may all receive strength and wisdom in our own lives.’ In the changing face of the world, the Queen’s example of Christian faith and marriage is a model and source of strength and wisdom for the church. She, as a follower of Christ, is a leader by example and in humility.

In her foreword to a book, ‘The Servant Queen – and the King she serves’ being published to celebrate her 90th birthday, the Queen’s inspiring faith in the King of kings is contagious and exemplary. The foreword affirms the Queen’s as a Bible faithful with royal ‘devotion to Jesus Christ’ and prayer. According to the Queen, she is ‘touched that Bible Society, HOPE and the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity have published this book to celebrate my 90th birthday. In my first Christmas Broadcast in 1952, I asked the people of the Commonwealth and Empire to pray for me as I prepared to dedicate myself to their service at my Coronation. I have been — and remain — very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for His steadfast love. I have indeed seen His faithfulness.’ The Queen has seen and will continue to experience God’s faithfulness as a Bible faithful.

Let us join Her Majesty in prayer as she embarks on her 91st year asking God to give her light that she ‘may tread safely into the unknown’ with her ‘… hand into the hand of God.’ Let us pray for God’s blessings as the weekend of national celebration for the Queen’s official birthday starts on Friday 10 June with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral. That will be followed on the Saturday by the Trooping the Colour ceremony, with the weekend celebrations coming to a close on Sunday with the Patron’s Lunch on The Mall, where 10,000 people will gather to celebrate the Queen’s patronage of more than 600 charities and organisations.
Looking at the life of the church over the previous 90 years and what it is going to be in the next 90 years in Europe calls for ceaseless prayers and intentional evangelism. God bless the Queen. –

 

Very Rev Dr Deji Okegbile, Nigerian Methodists Chaplaincy, UK/Ireland