The Servant Queen

April 2016

How many people do you know who are 89 years old, work 40 hours a week, and have been doing the same job for 62 years?  My guess is you only know of one – Her Majesty the Queen.

Some rulers are cruel, self-serving and wicked – we have had some like that in our own country’s history and there are plenty around the world today – but our queen has been steadfastly hard-working, humble, self-controlled and good.  Why is she like this?

Six months before her Coronation she made this request of her people: “Pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.”  She knows that she herself serves a greater King, Jesus Christ.

The Queen serves us because Jesus served her, as every Easter reminds us, by laying down His life as a sacrifice for sin.  The royal crown is topped by a cross for good reason.  In her 2011 Christmas Day broadcast the Queen said, “Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness and greed.  God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.”

Mark Greene and Catherine Butler have written a superb illustrated book to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.  It is titled ‘The Servant Queen and the King she serves’ and demonstrates, often in her own words, who has been at the heart of the Queen’s selfless reign.  Her Majesty’s own foreword to the book includes this, “In 1952 I asked the people … to pray for me as I prepared to dedicate myself to their service at my Coronation.   I have been – and remain – very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for His steadfast love.  I have indeed seen His faithfulness.” 

We plan to obtain some copies of the book to give to those who would like them.  If you would be interested please speak to a member of the congregation.

Happy Easter!

Graham Burrows