The Queen’s Funeral: How deep is our loss?

The overwhelming turnout of people over the last 10 days to pay their respects to the Queen is beyond remarkable. What is it about her passing that has left so many people so grieved?

Are we purely mourning the loss of the great mother figure of our nation? Are we simply moved as we reflect on her life and celebrate the impact she had? Is it the turning of a chapter in history that leaves us feeling a little lost? Or does it show that even deeper within us is a longing that now finds a hole. 

Many on reflection of Her Majesty’s life have called her an example to follow, a moral compass, a remarkable life of service. It’s as if the loss of her has left a void. Does the fact that she’s gone mean we have somehow lost our benchmark for morality? Are we at a loss for someone who can preside over us with the nature of a good and faithful servant?

The overriding and repetitive theme in the summary of Her Majesty’s life was that she faithfully served. A quality that is rarely seen in public life, let alone sustained for dozens of years. Many have ascribed this to her Christian faith, but have divulged no further. The truth of the matter is that she learned service and humility from another person. A person we hardly ever hear about, at least in the media, unless the Queen’s very own words are quoted. 

This person humbled himself from the highest position, not just that of a beloved monarch, but that of the Ruler of the World. This person didn’t just sacrifice their day-to-day activities for good honourable works, but gave his very life for the saving of others. This person didn’t just provide a moral example that we could all aspire to, but personified the very definition of truth, love and forgiveness. And still offers it freely to all who will receive it. This person didn’t just make a happy memory for millions of people over 96 years, but he continues to save the souls of millions upon millions of people across all nations, throughout all time. This person from whom Queen Elizabeth II learned grace, kindness and servant-heartedness was none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

“…Jesus – a man whose teachings have been handed down from generation to generation, and have been the bedrock of my faith.” Queen Elizabeth II, 2021

She is gone from us now, and death is always heart-breaking. But we have not lost anything more. All that we seek can be found in Him. He is not just a moment in history, but an existent living person. The very Son of God, the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords. 

Mourners around the world have adopted an almost saint-like regard for the Queen. But Her Majesty knew she was flawed, limited and temporary, as you can see from her own words.

“Although we are capable of great acts of kindness, history teaches us that we sometimes need saving from ourselves – from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world a unique person – neither a philosopher nor a general (important though they are) – but a Saviour, with the power to forgive.” Queen Elizabeth II, 2011

Throughout her life it was evident that she put her personal faith in Jesus Christ for His undeserved kindness, love and eternal hope. She followed Him and His teaching in her earthly life and now we can be confident that she is living with Him, even after death. Finally at rest with the true and sovereign Servant King. 

If we truly revere her life and pay homage to her example, wouldn’t we want to know more about the source that she drew from? It is possible for you to know the Lord Jesus, as she did. Would you put your trust in Him, too?

“The carol, In The Bleak Midwinter, ends by asking a question of all of us who know the Christmas story, of how God gave himself to us in humble service: ‘What can I give him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; if I were a wise man, I would do my part’. The carol gives the answer: ‘Yet what I can I give him – give my heart’.” Queen Elizabeth II, 2012

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