Which came first, our Allegiance to God, or His Allegiance to us? Jonathan, our Youth Minister explores this further in our latest blog post...
“I do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, Her Heirs and Successors according to law. So help me God."
Over the past 70 years countless officials, public servants, armed forces and thousands of newly naturalized citizens have repeated this oath of allegiance, pledging their support and faithfulness towards the second-longest reigning monarch in history.
During the sermon of her State Funeral on Monday, Justin Welby pointed to the High Altar at Westminster Abbey and reminded people of her silent prayer just before the coronation ceremony, saying: “Her allegiance to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her.”
For us, it is almost impossible to imagine a life as a monarch: the responsibilities and opportunities, the need for neutrality, yet decisiveness and the sheer media attention must, at points, be very challenging. Yet, in the midst of it all, the late Queen Elizabeth did not seem fazed by her fame or status, by the amount of people pledging alliance to her: through it all she steadfastly held on to her allegiance to God.
Reflecting on the sermon after the funeral I kept wanting to add one more thought to what Justin Welby spoke about: “Her allegiance to God was given before any person gave allegiance to her – But God’s allegiance to her was given in the first place.”
The Late Queen believed in a God who was relational, who rejoiced over her in singing and who went to extreme lengths to bear allegiance to her as a person – not just as a reigning monarch – by giving His life so that she might live life to the full.
This is true for us, too! We might not have many people speak an oath of allegiance towards us, but we do have a God who calls us His children, His chosen people, His masterpiece.
Yet, despite all that, I wonder how quick we are to pledge allegiances to people or simply to materialistic 'stuff,' including our pensions, the car, our bank accounts, a wise doctor or well-known celebrity. How often do we revel in the knowledge that others have given allegiance to us and hold us in high regards, before rejoicing in the fact that God’s allegiance towards us is so much more important: God has chosen you, just as you are to be a part of His Kingdom.
The late Queen Elizabeth has demonstrated this faith throughout her life and reign and felt comfortable to share this with others, by making space to pray before her coronation or simply by mentioning Jesus in her many speeches, tributes and personal encounters with others. She felt secure in her allegiance to God, knowing that God is always there for her.
Do you feel able to do the same?
Will you find time this week to revel and rejoice in the one who has pledged His allegiance to you in the first place? Do you feel ready to pledge your life to the One who loves you unconditionally?
We would love to hear from you! Jonathan Youth Minister
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