The late Queen Elizabeth II, UK’s longest serving monarch died yesterday at Balmoral aged 96, after reigning for 70 years.
The last picture I saw of the Queen, was of her smiling with an extended hand about to shake and officially appoint our new prime minister, Liz Truss. This appointment took place at Balmoral rather than Buckingham Palace, as there were concerns about the 96-year-old Queen’s health and mobility. Her health concern became rather apparent as her family gathered around her to pay their last respect a day after appointing the new prime minister.
The Queen exemplified true servant leadership and selflessness in her duty to the nation, even at a time of weakness and frailty. She made sure that she appointed a new prime minister before her departing, at a time when many of us would have preferred the comfort of our bed.
In her words, she said, “When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future”. Again, emphasising on the importance of duty, she said, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service”, and that was exactly what our late Queen did for our nation.
There is much we can all learn from the Queen’s life of service to her Lord and to the nation; and as the rainbow appeared over the palace on the day of her passing, I believe that the echoes of Heaven to welcome her was, “…Well done, good and faithful servant…”!! (Matthew 25:23).
Let us also follow this example of servanthood to our Lord and to our neighbours.
Let us also pray for the grieving family of the Queen and for the nation in these times.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” 1 Timothy 2:1-2
May her soul rest in peace.
Blessings,
Chris Eke
