Queen Elizabeth….modern day handmaiden…

[Molearner]

Luke 1:38…”And Mary said, behold the hand maid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.”……a handmaid is a servant who does the will of God.

The Scriptures inform us that kings exist by the will of God. Daniel 2:21….”He(God) changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them.” Elizabeth was not deposed indicating she remained faithful. Proverbs 21:1…”The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Psalm 75:6-7….”No one from the east or the west or from the desert can exalt a man. But it is God who judges: He brings one down, he exalts another.”

In contemplating the reign of Queen Elizabeth, I viewed Philippians 2:1-9 as being an applicable parallel.

Verses 3-9….”Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death…..Therefore God exalted him to the highest place….”

Others might not share my sentiments…but for me the parallel is striking.

A final thought: “Blessed are the meek(humble) for they will inherit the earth.” An heir, if chosen, is selected if he is deemed to be the most likely to be a good custodian of what he is bequeathed. In God’s view the humble are the best candidates. iMO Queen Elizabeth checked these boxes……:)

[sky]

'Pray for me that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’

That was the prayer She requested during Her first Christmas broadcast in 1952, God certainly answered Her prayers....
Her smile lit up a room and the twinkle in Her eyes showed the joy in Her life.
She will be missed.....

[Molearner]

Originally Posted by sky

'Pray for me that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’

....

Sky,

Truly a prayer of humility……acknowledging her need for assistance and recognizing that it must come from God. She had her priorities straight.

[pixiedust]

I don't understand why there is so much fawning. She did a great job. Highly respected. Also lived a life of privilege. Has untold weath. Servants.

What about venerating people who do good every day instead? Or perhaps are just themselves?

[Molearner]

Originally Posted by pixiedust

I don't understand why there is so much fawning. She did a great job. Highly respected. Also lived a life of privilege. Has untold weath. Servants.

What about venerating people who do good every day instead? Or perhaps are just themselves?

I do not see it as fawning but rather as recognition. How does one venerate people that are unknown and have never attracted attention ? It can only be
anecdotal and impossible to verify and share.

[pixiedust]

Originally Posted by Molearner

I do not see it as fawning but rather as recognition. How does one venerate people that are unknown and have never attracted attention ? It can only be
anecdotal and impossible to verify and share.

Sorry, Molearner, I apologize. I have a bad habit of unloading my cumulative opinion from the past few days onto one post.

You are right, it was not fawning at all. It was observation, and as you rightly say, recognition.

I recognize and appreciate her service and duties. I guess I just wonder how distinguished it is from many other people - yet undoubtedly, she performed a job well done for the Monarchy

Best wishes,
pixiedust

[Molearner]

Originally Posted by pixiedust

Best wishes,
pixiedust

Pixiedust,

Thanks for your reply. I am grateful that you understand what I was trying to convey……:). I hope this does not sound like veneration but I also viewed the Queen as a peacemaker and, at the same time, would have to commend her for disciplining one’s that she loved. As you know it happens that people can be persecuted for being righteous. Sometimes people do this….out of envy ?….to cut others down to size even if it is not warranted. It is refreshing to look for the good in others……best wishes to you…:)

[pixiedust]

You are right of course.

Always good to read you / see you.

[sky]

Originally Posted by Molearner

Sky,

Truly a prayer of humility……acknowledging her need for assistance and recognizing that it must come from God. She had her priorities straight.

She always spoke of Her faith as being the 'Anchor' in Her life and that Christ’s example helped Her see the value of doing small things with great love .