The Shepherd and the Queen
A few days after Her Majesty the Queen died, one of our long-standing church members also passed away. This man had been part of our church for as long as I can remember. I had the privilege to know and work alongside John Denning for over 30 years.
John used to be a farmer, working the land to the west of Basingstoke. I remember visiting his farm when I was a child, on various occasions.
I remember John telling me how God spoke to him from the soil and the sheep, when he was a farmer. The agricultural metaphors used in the Bible seemed to come alive! John was a natural shepherd and became a superb pastor – one who cared for, and ‘shepherded’ people.
John sold the farm and gave his time to serving our church. He was a man of prayer and someone whom God revealed ‘prophetic’ insights into situations and people.
He loved the Bible and when we were together would always draw us into God’s presence. He was a very tender-hearted man, often close to tears as he shared what God had showed him.
John also had a passion for India, where he and his wife, Marilyn, visited regularly for years, encouraging and strengthening pastors and their churches.
As I was reflecting on John and the Queen, it was clear that they had one thing in common: their love for God, and a strong, dedicated personal relationship with Jesus.
If you watched the Queen’s state funeral, as the coffin moved through Westminster Abbey, the choir sang these words from the Bible…
“I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die…”
What a proclamation to start a funeral service! Both the Queen and John knew and believed these verses. I picture them now, in the presence of Jesus together, joining with 1000s of others who have gone before us!
John was absolutely certain of his faith, as was Her Majesty too! They believed that Jesus was (and is) the ‘resurrection and the life’. They are no longer with us, and we grieve and miss them, but they are very much alive, with Jesus in paradise!
If you are someone who does not have that certainty about your future - there is some good news! Let me encourage you to read, trust and believe what Jesus said, just like the shepherd and the Queen.
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader