As far back as 2017, I had a sense that the coming decade would be challenging for us all. The 2020’s would bring extraordinary changes played out with shocking rapidity both in Britain and the world at large.

Sure enough, we had barely entered 2020 and the Covid-19 pandemic hit. The effects of this “one-in-a-hundred-year” event are still with us, with much more to come.

Since then, we have seen extreme weather conditions with fires, floods, droughts on a truly global scale. The Russian war in Ukraine has been horrific in itself, but the seismic effects are now being felt across the nations, with food shortages, stratospheric rises in fuel costs, and the dawn of a new precarious era of East-West political tensions.

We in Britain, have also seen the fall of a Prime Minister and the death of our longest-serving Monarch, HM Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth II. 

To many people, her death came as something sudden and unexpected, despite her age and recent failing health. I guess people just didn’t believe it would ever happen. Understandable given her 70-year long, prosperous and influential reign which just seemed to go on and on, performing her duty two days before her death. As her final act of public service, reportedly against advice, the Queen fulfilled her constitutional role in inviting Liz Truss as the New British Prime Minister to form a new government. Serving with full mental and royal, if not physical strength, until the very end.

The death of the Queen, triggered an outpouring of grief (the “price one pays for love”) not just from within the UK but also from across the world. Nations paid tribute through the words of their Heads of State and their presence at the spectacular, yet intimate, State Funeral on 19 September 2022. Sadness at her passing and celebration of her life went side by side.

The implications of the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession to throne of King Charles III remain to be seen. Certainly, the likelihood of repeating the last 70 years and what the Queen brought to Britain and the Commonwealth remains remote, perhaps never again in British history.

In future blogs, I will dip deeper into issues facing King Charles III at the beginning of his reign and the possible prophetic significance of contemporary events.

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Spanning seven decades, the longevity of her Majesty’s rule is remarkable. “Long live our noble Queen” is a prayer answered, as is the first line of the National Anthem, “God save our gracious Queen”. These petitions brought us a glowing example of 70 years of consistency, sacrifice, service and stalwart adherence to duty. Based in Christian conviction such qualities are fitting reminders of the faith of a Monarch who recognises the King of Kings. These enduring qualities scintillate like the solid jewels on the royal crown. And they will outlast every earthly monarch or monarchy, for that matter. Kingdoms come and kingdoms go but God’s Rule endures forever.

The Jubilee celebrations arrive at a difficult time. A welcome break on the motorway of national life. Covid storm clouds have barely dissipated as other troubles loom on the horizon. The cost of living and inflation are soaring, deep woke-based cultural intolerance is reaching a new high, Brexit wounds have been reopened, challenges to the Northern Ireland protocol portend trouble, the Russian war continues to threaten global stability, but, the Jubilee is a brief opportunity to come together and celebrate the good things we share. 

Above all, there is the opportunity to listen to the wisdom of one 96-year old woman who lived through the Second World War, has seen 14 prime ministers leading her Government, and has witnessed all the social, political and economic changes in the UK and the world over the last 70 years.

“Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God” (Christmas broadcast, 2002).

Join the Watchman Prayer Ministry.

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This is how a 21 weeks old embryo looks like…

Not so long ago MPs voted to remove the statutory requirement to consider the need for a father (figure) in IVF treatment under the pretext of removing discrimination against lesbian women wanting children by this method. We can witness in the UK a desecration of human life and a breakdown of traditional family values.
 
The capacity of the gospel preached and received in the power of the Holy Spirit to change society is evident from Luke 10:17-20. When Jesus? disciples brought their reports back to him after having preached the gospel with signs and wonders Jesus testified, ?I saw Satan fall from like lightning from heaven?. The very spiritual atmosphere was changed.We are seeing the same thing begin to happen in the UK.
 
As God mobilises his gospel army, and brings in a new outpouring of signs and wonders, Satan?s powers are pushed back and the atmosphere is cleansed. Marvellous things can begin to happen. A nation can be changed by the gospel ? people?s lives turned around, families restored and institutions renewed. As new believers grow in discipleship and commitment their influence brings the kingdom of God into our society.

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