Yesterday, September 9, 2015, Queen Elizabeth emerged as the record holder of the longest reign in the history of the British Empire. Sometime yesterday, although the exact moment is not know, the Queen eclipsed the record held by her great-great grandmother, Queen Victoria, having served more than 23226 days, 16 hours and 23 minutes – the former record. However, the exact moment the record was broken is in doubt, as Elizabeth’s father, King George, died in his sleep and wasn’t found until 7:30 am when his valet entered his room to awaken him. British succession takes place the moment after a sovereign’s death so it is not known exactly when King George passed away and Elizabeth ascended the throne.
Elizabeth was out of the country at the time and didn’t find out about the death of her father until later in the day. There was some consternation as the incoming sovereign must confirm their adherence to the Protestant faith and Elizabeth was still thousands of miles away from her homeland. However, the powers that be convened and two hours later affirmed her rightful place as the monarch of the land. As has been the case for more than six decades, Prince Philip was at her side and broke the news of her ascension to the throne to Elizabeth.
There is no question that the world has changed greatly during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. She has been Queen for more than Prime Ministers than any other monarch and the world has seen the birth of the atomic age, world economies come and go, as well as the rise in terrorism and the landing of a man on the moon!
However, as long as it has been, and it is still going strong, the reign of Elizabeth is nothing compared to the eternal reign of Christ. The Scripture is clear that Christ will reign forever and that is quite a bit longer than 63 years. Moreover, even though he was rejected as King during his earthly life, while fully man and fully divine, Christ will return as King and his Kingdom will exist forever. There will be no more tears and God assures us that he will make everything new. Light will exist forever and the description of heaven is too magnificent to comprehend.
Our verse for the evening highlights the fact that God is Lord and King. We are told, in Ex. 15:18, “The LORD will reign for ever and ever.” In the New Testament, we are reminded of this again, being told in Rev. 11:15,“The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” My encouragement this evening is that Jesus wants us to reign with Him in the Millennial Kingdom. My prayer is that you realize that one day we, as believers, will be in the presence of the ultimate King for all eternity. Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…