A Very, Very Long Reign

I don’t usually follow news about the British Royal family. This week, however, I have found it noteworthy that Queen Elizabeth II is currently celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. That is, for 70 years now she has served as the monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.  This makes her the longest reigning monarch the United Kingdom has ever had. As far as we know, Queen Elizabeth has only been outdone, at least thus far, by King Louis XIV of France who reigned for 72 years. Who knows, Queen Elizabeth just might get there! 

The world has changed much during her 70 years on the throne. Think of what the world was like in 1952 when she began her reign and what it is like today. Technology, social mores, ways of doing business, ways of interacting and so much more have changed. The world feels so much smaller due to the internet and our much faster means of travel.  Life in general is quite different than it was 70 years ago. Yet, through it all, the British people have had one constant: Queen Elizabeth II, a monarch who for many of them at least, brought a sense of stability and constancy to an ever-changing world. 

Of course the reign of Queen Elizabeth and others who have lasted on their throne as long as she has is nothing compared to the One who reigns from heaven. The Psalmist wrote, “The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength, indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.” (Psalm 93:1-2 – NIV) That’s a very, very long reign! 

In the midst of an ever-changing world, there has been, is, and will continue to be one constant: a God who reigns over it all. We serve a God whose reign has been from before the beginning of time and whose reign will last far into eternity. Thus, no matter what we see happening in our world, no matter how much things change around us or even in our personal lives, we can look to heaven and know that we have a God who never changes and who sits on an everlasting throne. 

“Your throne, O God,  will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom.” (Psalm 45:6 – NIV)

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris