Yes, Queen.

Unless you live beneath a rock (or you’re WiFi’s been out) you already know that Britain’s longest-reigning monarch passed away Thursday.

I’m quite certain every news outlet in the world has covered the story. No need for me to duplicate those efforts here. If you’re interested in details, Google has 971 million results. (Feel free to check my math.)

The news of Queen Elizabeth’s death has elicited an outpouring of sympathy to the royal family – and all Brits, really – from world leaders, journalists, politicians, celebrities, historians, foreign ambassadors and other dignitaries… and plenty of undignified folks like me too.

(She’s been lauded by all manner of Anglophiles, equestrians, hat makers and Corgi-lovers as well.)

QE’s widespread influence and fame is due – in part – to her global reach. The Queen of England wasn’t just the queen of England. She was also the queen of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (the United Kingdom). And 14 other nations of the Commonwealth including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas and Jamaica. Elizabeth’s “subjects” totaled 150 million people.

As Queen, Her Royal Highness lived a life of privilege.

But along with her title (and entitlements) came solemn – and sacred – duties.

QE had authority over the British courts, was commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the head of the Church of England. She had power to appoint the Prime Minister. Power to dissolve Parliament. Power to dismiss the Government. She appointed ministers, judges, diplomats, bishops, governors and some officers in the armed forces. She was head of the executive branch of government and had to officially assent to a Bill from Parliament for it to become law.

Sounds exhausting – and exasperating – if you ask me.

(Good luck, Charlie.)

While her “day job” constituted a wide array of official duties and constitutional powers, her private life was… well… not particularly private. Her words (or silence), her actions (or inaction), even her facial expressions were seemingly up for discussion/ debate/ denunciation/ derision by everyone within (and outside) the UK.

Tough crowd.

HRH was scrutinized beyond what most ordinary folks could bear. Most of us would fight/ flee/ binge/ purge/ cut/ crack/ curl up and die beneath that kind of pressure. (Mary, Queen of Scots… Edward VIII… Diana… Meghan… Need I say more?)

But Elizabeth seemed to understand that she needn’t be the center of attention nor the object of adoration. Therefore, she didn’t require or relish it.

While most royals choose to be resplendent… she chose to be reflective.

Eager not to seek her own glory, but rather God’s.

He was – and is – her King. And she was, quite simply, a devoted subject.

And, as it turns out, a member of His royal family.

(As are all of us who – through faith – are forgiven and gifted God’s saving grace.)

But God chose you to be his people. You are royal priests. You are a holy nation. You are God’s special treasure. You are all these things so that you can give him praise. God brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light. ~ 1 Peter 2:9 (NIRV)

At the time of the Queen’s passing there appeared in the sky above Buckingham Palace a double rainbow. A reminder of God’s promises… and – I’d like to think – a shining banner He bestowed for exemplary service. For that is what the Queen devoted herself to.

“There is a motto which has been borne by many of my ancestors – a noble motto…” she once said.

“I serve.”

Indeed, she did. Her reign was a sublime example of quiet strength, steadfastness and service.

That is what true royalty does.

And that’s…

What.

Love.

Does.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served; he came to serve and to give his life to redeem many people. ~ Mark 10:45 (GNT)

The King of this vast universe of ours came to feed the hungry, heal the sick, befriend outcasts and drive out demons. Everywhere He went, He imparted wisdom, comfort, mercy, strength, grace, peace… and untold blessings.

He stooped low to wash dust/dirt/dung from the feet of his raggedy band of brothers, the disciples.

He gave and gave and gave some more.

And then He laid down His life.

Love = service.

Putting the needs of another ahead of one’s own. It’s that simple. (And exceedingly difficult.)

As the Queen once noted:

“At the heart of our faith stands not a preoccupation with our own welfare and comfort but the concepts of service and of sacrifice as shown in the life and teachings of the One who made himself nothing, taking the very form of a servant.”

Jesus.

The Queen is now in the presence of her King. 

The King of Kings. 

Who cordially invites you to join the family… and live happily ever after in His heavenly kingdom.

Remember the line?

And we’ll never be royals…

No disrespect to Lorde, but she got it wrong.

True, “it don’t run in our blood,” but royalty runs in the blood of Jesus Christ. And that precious blood has bought our forgiveness, our freedom, our future nobility.

Just say His name.

Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ~ Acts 2:21 (NIRV)

Welcome to the royal family. 

Wendy 

P.S. For 70 years of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, “Long live the Queen” was the constant refrain.

Though absent from her earthly body, yet she lives.

Well done, good and faithful servant.