The Privileged Life: Kings and Queens (Part 2)—Elizabeth, a Queen of Faith

“…let those who love Him be like the sun when it comes out in full strength.” (Judges 5:31b)

I have a personal letter from Queen Elizabeth.

I’m not kidding.

Okay, it’s from her lady-in-waiting. But it’s on royal stationery, and I’ll still claim it as a real letter from the Queen herself (see below).

Several years ago, my little book group selected a fascinating story to read called “The Servant Queen and the King She Serves,” authored by Catherine Butcher and Mark Greene for the Bible Society of England.* It portrays a different side of the reigning Queen Elizabeth—her quiet commitment to her faith in Jesus Christ and her perseverance in serving Him as the reigning monarch.

The authors of the book observe that the Queen is, by any measure, a remarkable woman. I heartily agree. She has withstood more than nine decades of intense scrutiny, has survived World War II, has advised 14 British prime ministers, can rebuild the engine of an ambulance, feeds her own dogs, and—despite a recent bout of COVID—continues to carry on her duties as regent of a worldwide empire.

The bulk of the book, however, focuses on her deep understanding of her position before another King, Jesus Christ. By her actions and words, particularly during the anointing ceremony of her coronation, she humbly understands she’s only an earthly queen—someone who must answer to her Lord and Savior, as must the rest of us who follow Him.

We were so touched by the book that we wrote the Queen a letter, told her we were praying for her, and that we were donating in honor of her birthday to the CLC International, a Bible and Christian book distribution organization.

Queen Elizabeth reads selected correspondence every day, and we received a delightful response from her. What a genuine privilege it is to have this letter from a beloved monarch!

This year marks the Queen’s 70^th year of reign, and all of Britain (and the Commonwealth) are celebrating her Platinum Jubilee. The festivities have already officially begun, to be capped off with a series of public and private events over four days in early June.

At every turn, the Queen will be honored—through a grand military parade, “beacons” of flaming light across the Commonwealth, a live concert and party at the Palace, a Derby horse race at Epsom Downs, community lunches, a Platinum pageant, and perhaps most significantly, a Service of Thanksgiving at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

Since today, April 21, is her 96^th birthday, I wish to honor her as well from America, with a prayer for her as a world leader of faith, in Jesus Christ.

As I started looking for biblical characters who might compare with Queen Elizabeth, I found that there are quite a few queens in the Bible, ranging from nobly sacrificial to dastardly villainous. But the Queen’s best counterpart might be the prophetess Deborah. Here are some of their similarities, from Judges 4 and 5:

Both are wise leaders and judges who listen to God’s commands and rely on His direction. They delegate responsibilities well, especially to their military leaders, but they also are unafraid to enter the fray in order to inspire their subjects.

They are encouragers, trusting in God to deliver their people from their enemies. They know God will go before them into battle and that the battle will be His.

These are strong women, but they recognize their role and station as servants of a living God, committed to praising the Lord for His power and blessings.

We can learn a lot from Deborah. And we can certainly be inspired by Queen Elizabeth to hold on to a steadfast faith, regardless of the challenges that face us.

Happy 96^th Birthday, Your Majesty—may God continue to give you many good years ahead and bless you in your efforts to serve Him.

King Jesus, we magnify Your name above all rulers and thrones of the earth. May You continue to bless Queen Elizabeth in her reign and uphold her by Your mighty hand. Give her energy and wisdom to carry out her duties, led by Your grace and love. Give her good health, godly advisors, and joy in spending time with her extended family. Let her faith in You never waver. Help us, O Lord, to follow her example in serving others for Your kingdom here on earth. In Your Almighty Name we pray, Amen.

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*Used copies available on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Servant-Queen-King-she-serves/dp/0957559828/ref=sr_1_1?crid=4KSO1MJYAPOI&keywords=queen+servant+king+she+serves&qid=1650584502&sprefix=queen+servant+king+she+serves%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1