The Privileged Life: God’s Faithfulness to All Generations

“But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, and His righteousness to children’s children….” (Psalm 103:17)

British history, regalia, pomp, symbolism, and the future of the monarchy all collided in the stately funeral ceremonies for Queen Elizabeth II, paying respects at the farewell of her extraordinary reign and ushering in the next generation of leadership.

From around the world, we witnessed an almost incomprehensible process—the peaceful transition of power over vast numbers of people and lands in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth of Nations.

Solemn liturgy and pageantry, carefully planned/rehearsed, gave honor to Jesus Christ for the dedicated life of His servant queen. As the committal service at St. George’s Chapel ended, the trappings of the monarchy—the scepter, the orb (representing the world under the authority of Christ), and the Imperial State Crown—were moved from the Queen’s coffin to the altar, to await the coronation of King Charles III at a future date. A final nod to the automatic transfer of authority from mum to son came as attendees sang, “God Save the King.”

It all defied a world where other governments have existed at times in chaos and anarchy. The clockwork proceedings gave us pause to reflect on the Queen’s legacy of steadfast faith and made us wonder what lies ahead for the monarchy…as well as for the rest of us.

The Scriptures constantly speak of God’s faithfulness to all generations. Here in the “land of the living,” we want to see this fleshed out in our lives, to experience His blessings to us.

If you’ve ever poked into your family’s genealogy, you’ll find that your ancestors have shaped your life by more than just passing along their DNA. Did you grow up with a heritage of faith? Did your ancestors or mentors pass along their belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the World? Or have you launched a whole new generational shift by your faith in Him?

The real question, however, is not about what we have received from our forebears…but about what we will do with our faith for the next generation.

The rising youth are perplexed. They live in a world of constantly changing technology, political opinions, environmental issues, careers, lifestyles, marriage plans, and more. Young people today are pressed hard by overwhelming choices and decisions. It’s no wonder that anxiety and depression are on the uptick.

The next generation needs Jesus. They need to hear about Him from us.

All of us have a “sphere” to influence and nurture—children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, church kids, the neighbors around the corner, the check-out clerk at the grocery, our co-workers. Will we share Jesus with them through our faithful service and witness? Have we spoken so often of His grace that they cannot help but know Him as a loving Lord?

Young folks coming down the pike don’t want our stuff. They want guidance and dreams, promises they can count on for security. They want purpose, identity, fulfillment. We can offer these things to them by pointing them to Jesus…if we speak the truth in love.

My hope is that we will carry the torch of His light to those in darkness, to speak His truth over those who are weary of lies, to embrace with His love those who are feeling abandoned, to bless in His name those who are in the pit of despair. Let’s pass along the royal trappings of Christian servanthood to those we leave behind.

Let’s pray that King Charles, too, will grasp the baton of faith passed on to him…that he will carry it to his nations with the same quiet zeal, perseverance, and dignity as his mum.

The last Scripture reading from the Queen’s services, from Psalm 103, reminds us that God is the true King over all, the only source of mercy, blessings, and righteousness to all generations. Amen.

Gracious Lord, we praise You for Your faithfulness to us in all generations—for calling us to know You through the testimony of those who have gone before us. We praise You for the promises and hope of salvation in Your word—help us to share it with those in our sphere of influence. Grant us opportunities to speak of Your love to the generations to come. In Your blessed name, Amen.

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