By A. Ray Lee

Columnist 

The world watched recently as England honored the life and leadership of the United Kingdom’s longest reigning sovereign when Queen Elizabeth died at age ninety-six. With her death, preplanned Operation London Bridge went into effect as the Royal Family and nation observed ten days of mourning her death and the elevation of her son Charles to the throne. Those days were marked by much pageantry mirroring centuries of traditions and colorful rituals viewed by nations across the globe. 

The love and respect of the people for their queen were shown by the banks of floral arrangements lining the streets where the Royal family passed during their procession to Westminster Abbey for her funeral. When her body was laid in state prior to the service, a line of grateful people stretched for several miles with some individuals waiting for as long as twenty hours to show their respect by passing by her casket.      

The Queen had reigned with dignity, grace, and steadfastness for seventy years during a time when the world underwent drastic changes. Prime Ministers came and went but she remained steadfast from the time of her coronation and ascension to the throne in 1952 at the age of twenty-six when the idea of having a monarch was being questioned by many. Over the years the empirical power of the Royal Family was diminished by world events and shifting fortunes in the United Kingdom. In those uncertain days she gave a sense of stability to the realm.  

Because of her position as sovereign, people bowed and addressed her as “your majesty’’ out of respect not only for her power but also for her character. She will be remembered not only for the length of her reign but for the grace she showed to all. When coming to the throne at age seventy-three, her son showed wisdom as he shared with the nation how the influence of her life and service had prepared him for the position he would occupy as king. 

Queen Elizabeth’s reign was long and storied yet it came to an end. In time, it will be but a brief blog recorded in the annals of history.  Succeeding generations may read about it in dust-covered volumes residing on seldom visited library shelves. 

But there is one Majesty whose reign is from everlasting to everlasting (Psalms 90:2). Worthy is he to receive glory and honor and power for he has created all things (Revelation 4:11). He continues to be majestic in his rule and reign.  

With joy out of a steadfast faith we can sing: “Majesty. Worship his Majesty. Unto Jesus be all glory, honor, and praise.”  Amen and amen!