Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is dead. By now, I suspect, the whole world knows this sad reality. This tragic news has rocked everything. News headlines and online feeds have not stopped in reporting ‘real time’ events as they unfold.

World leaders to unknown ordinary people are paying their respects to this remarkable woman. I have been quite overwhelmed by the outpouring of grief, love and affection for Her Majesty.

Like many others, I watched the ancient traditions of announcing the death of our Queen and proclamation of our new King, Charles III.

I think our new King has also been remarkable too. The day has finally come. His beloved ‘Mama’ has passed away, so he has taken his place as our Sovereign, with dignity and sense of duty.

I was also struck on Saturday, seeing the new Prince and Princess of Wales joined by Harry and Meghan, to look at the floral tributes and meet the public.

It was reported that William had invited Harry. I’m glad he did, and glad Harry accepted. Whatever differences and difficulties there are, they have been set aside as they unite in honouring their late Grandmother. As the nation mourns, there are seeds of hope.

For most people, the Queen has always been there, she reigned for 70 years! It was her face on our coins, notes, and stamps! She was like a rock, a constant presence in a changing world.

I loved watching the Queen’s Christmas Day broadcasts, where she openly confessed her Christian faith. She did not shy away from what she believed.

As I have been reflecting, I remembered a passage in the Bible at a time when one of the Old Testament Kings died. Israel was mourning the loss of King Uzziah, and at that time God spoke to a man called Isaiah…

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple.”

— Isaiah 6:1 The NIV Bible

Israel’s King was dead, but Isaiah saw into heaven’s throne room where there was, and is, an eternal King. This is where our late Queen looked for help, to guide and sustain her, all those years.

In her last words of the Christmas Day broadcast on 25 December 2021, the Queen said:

“Jesus whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, have been the bedrock of my faith.”

I imagine Her Majesty in this heavenly throne room, joining with others who have gone before. Today she is with Jesus, her Lord, and her King.

God bless

Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader