One amazing point about this moment in the nation's history is how the monarch's passing has brought back our focus onto values which many believed were out-dated or old-fashioned. She stood for 'doing one's duty', was unfailingly polite and kind, believed in 'civility and modesty' (as expressed by Andrew Neil in the Daily Mail) and was loved and respected by millions for these things. Perhaps in her leaving us there is a real sense of the loss of integrity, faithfulness, service and balance that she represented. And people are feeling it.
In the Coronation Service - now 69 years ago - Elizabeth was anointed with special fragrant oils in a secret moment during the proceedings. She believed herself to be called by God, chosen by Him and anointed, quite literally for His service. And in this she was right, but she was not alone. Jesus said; 'You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last...' (John 15:16). Every Christian believer is called to bear fruit, and Queen Elizabeth certainly did do that. The fruit of God's anointing in our lives is listed in the New Testament - love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
As we prepare to watch the funeral and burial of this great little lady, whom we have all loved all of our lives, we should not only thank God for her and her example, but we should pray for an anointing that enables us to live differently too. In a world of celebrity, our Late Majesty has shown us a different path. It began with her simple but sincere commitment to Jesus as Lord. It starts there for us too.
