Queen Elizabeth died today after a 70 year reign. She will be remembered for many things.
However what most stands out about her life is her faithfulness to fulfill the duties to which she was called.
Were there moments when she awoke and thought, “I don’t want to be queen today.” Were there times when she thought, “That’s it. I’m done with this. I just want to go ride my horse and be an ordinary woman no one recognizes.”
Being queen was not Elizabeth’s dream. It was her duty. It was what she was called to do.
Duty does not fit well in today’s world where we don’t want anyone else deciding what we will do. Duty seems restrictive … dare I say, imprisoning.
Many of us would not want a life time of duty. If we do our duty, we only want to do it for awhile and then be freed.
What about our Christian duty? Jesus calls us to follow Him. Period.
He didn’t say, “Try Me on for size. If you don’t like this life, no problem. No commitment needed.”
He didn’t say, “Follow Me until things get boring … or really really hard … or you get tired of this gig. You can go then.”
He didn’t even let us write the job description or change His Plan.
He just said, “Follow Me.”
And He was abundantly clear about those who wanted to turn back.
Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
Luke 9:62
Paul gave the call to post when he said,
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus told His Father,
“I have brought You glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.”
John 17:4
We do not know what the queen prayed, but I suspect it took many prayers to run the race that was set out before her.
I like to think perhaps she is now freed of the earthly heavy crown and is riding her horse in freedom across paths yet to be discovered!
In Your Presence is Fullness of Joy!
Psalm 16:11
