Beloved Queen

Probably never before in history has the world witnessed a display of affection for a reigning monarch to equal that which occurred on June 7 last when the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee celebrations reached their high point. It was as though the world paused while the spectacle in London took the stage and all other events remained in the sidelines. By radio and television millions of homes, not only in Britain and the Commonwealth but in every corner of the globe, became aware of the devotion of the British peoples to their beloved sovereign. This was perhaps most evident during the walk of the Queen and Prince Philip from St Paul's to the Guildhall which was scheduled for 20 minutes but in fact lasted nearly twice as long. A relaxed and radiant Queen passing through cheering crowds paused here and there to chat with pensioners and children with an informality and ease which captivated all hearts.

In a few well-chosen words Dr Donald Coggan, the Archbishop of Canterbury, expressed the mood of the occasion: "Our nations and commonwealth", he said, "have been blessed beyond measure by having at their heart an example of service untiringly done, duty faithfully fulfilled, and of a home wonderfully happy. For this we thank God. From this we take courage".

No doubt it will be the Queen's speech after the luncheon given in her honour at the Guildhall that will receive the prominent place in the record of this Jubilee year in the history books. Her Majesty reviewed the momentous years of her reign in these words: "During these last 25 years ... I have seen, from a unique position of advantage, the last great phase of the transformation of the Empire into Commonwealth and the transformation of the Crown from an emblem of Dominion into a symbol of free and voluntary association. In all history this has no precedent". Nearly 30 Presidents and Prime Ministers of the 36 Commonwealth countries were listening to the Queen's words. Her Majesty went on to assess the present relevance of the Commonwealth in world affairs and to suggest a way forward for the future. She said, "An association of countries, like the Commonwealth, ... need have no fear for the future. Far from it, it can look forward with abounding hope, not only for its own well-being, but also that its example may point the way forward for mankind".

The present and future role of the British Commonwealth of Nations will, no doubt, be reviewed in the light of the Queen's observations. There are those who feel that conflicting national interests will lead eventually to its dissolution. Others argue that Britain's membership of the European Economic Community (itself under severe strain at the present time) has inevitably loosened her link with the Commonwealth. Time alone will resolve these questions. We remark here that such matters, no matter how they take shape, are not solely in the lap of the politicians. Divine sovereignty, not political sagacity, is the ultimate arbiter in world events. And there is one event which in the outlook of the Christian must ever take precedence - the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ. Although, in general, this glorious event is left out of reckoning by world rulers we must not allow it to recede into the background of our thoughts. Let Maranatha - our Lord cometh - be our watchword in an age of bewildering change. In the meantime it is our duty to continue in prayer for the rulers in our respective countries.

In the closing sentences of her Guildhall speech her Majesty struck a personal note which could well take its place with the famous remark of the late Queen Victoria when she realized the heavy burden she had inherited at such an early age. Queen Elizabeth concluded her speech with these words: "When I was 21, I pledged my life to the service of our people and I asked God's help to make good that vow. Although that vow was made in my 'salad days', when I was green in judgement, I do not regret nor retract one word of it". There is, of course, a prior claim on our service. We do not take her Majesty's words to mean that she did not recognize that claim, but rather that she wished to accept the place assigned to her by divine providence and to fulfil it with God's help. Few are called upon to shoulder such heavy responsibilities as our beloved Queen. But to every child of God has been assigned a sphere of service. To fulfil that service should be our chief concern. If we are feeling that the service assigned to us is of little account, maybe the words of Paul to Archippus of Colossae are applicable. "Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it (Col. 4:17).

unknown | Jul 1977
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