David Baker, en's Senior Editor writes: The passing of a monarch – the end of an era, bringing with it uncertainty, questions and a sense of change.

Recently I preached on Isaiah 6 and even just a few weeks ago I was struck by the parallels with our own times. That famous Bible chapter begins with the words, 'In the year that King Uzziah died…'

It is more than a casual historical reference. For Uzziah, like Elizabeth II, had been on the throne a long time. His death marked the end of a long era of national prosperity. Likewise, during the Queen’s reign, national standards of living have increased beyond what those alive in 1952 could possibly have anticipated when she ascended to the throne. But, in the last few years there have felt like challenges – Covid, gas and electricity prices, a rapid change in Prime Ministers, heated debate over Brexit… Some might say the shine has come off the national brand. It felt that way to Isaiah too.

Into that situation God gives Isaiah a simple but also extraordinary reminder: there is a higher throne. And God, the Lord Almighty, the Lord of hosts, is on it.

Isaiah 6 says: 

“In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another:
‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty;
    the whole earth is full of his glory.’
“At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke,” (verses 1 to 4).

Queen Elizabeth II remembered – throughout her reign – that there was a higher throne. She deferred to it – not an easy thing to do, I think in fact, given her context – and constantly alluded to it in her annual Christmas messages. The spiritual position of King Charles III, for whom we must now pray (1 Timothy 2v1-3) seems rather less clear. But pray we can and pray we must – not only for him but for new Prime Minister Liz Truss (imagine having this just 48 hours into office) – and for all the Royal Family and the Cabinet.

And Isaiah 6 goes on with what is a wonderful Old Testament picture of the gospel: Isaiah recognises his own sinfulness (v5) – the appropriate response to God’s holiness – but, remarkably, finds that his “guilt is taken away” (v6-7). The burning coal from the altar points forward to the ultimate sacrifice that Christ would one day pay to take the guilt away of any who will turn and trust in the Lord – whether royalty, politician or the rest of us. May Charles, Camilla, William and Kate, Liz Truss and the Cabinet know the truth of this for themselves.

And for all of us there is something in Isaiah 6 too… For having glimpsed the higher throne, Isaiah hears the call of God (v8) and offers his famous response: 'Here am I – send me!'

At this time of change will we once again dedicate ourselves to the service of this almighty, holy God, who calls us to be labourers for the harvest. It will not be easy – people may not listen, things may unfold bleakly. And the Lord tells Isaiah in no uncertain terms that this is what he should expect in his lengthy ministry (6v9-13).

The Lord is still on the throne. He calls us to go to our people, now, at this time of transition from monarch to monarch, remembering that our message may not be well-received.

But because the Lord is King we will serve him come what may – just as Queen Elizabeth II has done, so faithfully, for so many years.

Ten Quotes About The Queen's Faith – In Her Own Words

1. 'I have been – and remain – very grateful to you for your prayers and to God for his steadfast love. I have indeed seen his faithfulness.' (Foreword for The Servant Queen)

2. 'It is true that the world has had to confront moments of darkness this year, but the Gospel of John contains a verse of great hope, often read at Christmas carol services: "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it"... Despite being displaced and persecuted throughout his short life, Christ's unchanging message was not one of revenge or violence but simply that we should love one another.' (Christmas message, 2015)

3. 'For me, the life of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, whose birth we celebrate today, is an inspiration and an anchor in my life. A role model of reconciliation and forgiveness, he stretched out his hands in love, acceptance and healing. Christ's example has taught me to seek to respect and value all people, of whatever faith or none.' (Christmas message, 2014)

4. 'For Christians, as for all people of faith, reflection, meditation and prayer help us to renew ourselves in God's love, as we strive daily to become better people. The Christmas message shows us that this love is for everyone. There is no one beyond its reach.' (Christmas message, 2013)

5. 'This is the time of year when we remember that God sent his only son "to serve, not to be served". He restored love and service to the centre of our lives in the person of Jesus Christ. It is my prayer this Christmas Day that his example and teaching will continue to bring people together to give the best of themselves in the service of others. 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".' (Christmas message, 2012)

6. '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... It is my prayer that on this Christmas day we might all find room in our lives for the message of the angels and for the love of God through Christ our Lord.' (Christmas message, 2011)

7. 'One of the things that has not changed all that much for me is the celebration of Christmas. It remains a time when I try to put aside the anxieties of the moment and remember that Christ was born to bring peace and tolerance to a troubled world.' (Christmas message, 2006)

8. 'For me, as a Christian, one of the most important of these teachings is contained in the parable of the Good Samaritan, when Jesus answers the question, "Who is my neighbour?" It is a timeless story of a victim of a mugging who was ignored by his own countrymen but helped by a foreigner – and a despised foreigner at that. The implication drawn by Jesus is clear. Everyone is our neighbour, no matter what race, creed or colour. The need to look after a fellow human being is far more important than any cultural or religious differences.' (Christmas message, 2004)

9. 'To many of us our beliefs are of fundamental importance. For me the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life. I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ's words and example.' (Christmas message, 2000)

10. 'I know just how much I rely on my own faith to guide me through the good times and the bad. 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. Like others of you who draw inspiration from your own faith, I draw strength from the message of hope in the Christian gospel.' (Christmas message, 2002)

Evangelical Leaders Speak After The Queen's Death

Evangelical leaders have been speaking after the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the accession to the throne of King Charles III.

John Stevens, of the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches, said: ‘As the nation hears solemn proclamation today “The Queen is dead. Long live the King” as Christians we cannot but remember our ultimate hope. When the women went to mourn the death of their crucified King the angels made the glorious proclamation: “He is not here; he has risen”.’

A statement from Affinity, the evangelical network, said: ‘As we mourn the loss of our Queen, we take comfort that she trusted Christ as her Saviour and is now in his glorious presence. The Queen recently wrote to the Lambeth Conference of Anglican Bishops sharing that throughout her life the “message and teachings of Christ have been my guide… And in them I find hope. It is my heartfelt prayer that you will continue to be sustained by your faith in times of trial and encouraged by hope in times of despair.”

It continued: ‘Queen Elizabeth saw much political and technological change during her reign, but she has remained a constant figure, always reassuringly present. We grieve with her family in their sorrow. We pray for her family to know God’s comfort and guidance. We give thanks to God for such a consistent, faithful and honourable public servant and head of state. And we pray that the UK may be led by heads of state and ministers of government who likewise submit to the higher authority of God. At this time of political change and financial uncertainty may God turn many hearts to Jesus Christ, the King who lives forever.’

A statement from Keith Sinclair, National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council (CEEC) said: ‘We express our great sorrow at the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and give thanks for the life and faith of “our gracious Sovereign Lady”. She has been a tower of strength through tumultuous times to so many, giving quiet testimony to her faith in Christ her constant refuge and hope. We praise God for the servant heart of her late Majesty, for her humility after the manner of her Saviour, her love of the Holy Scriptures given to her at her Coronation and her demonstration of the love of God to her peoples in the United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

He added: ‘We thank God for her ministry as Supreme Governor of the Church of England rejoicing always in the unchanging gospel of the Prince of Peace. We pray for His Majesty the King and all the members of the royal family, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as they grieve. We pray that as the royal succession takes place they may know the sustaining and comforting presence of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.’

And he concluded: ‘We mourn and grieve but not as those without hope.’

The Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland, Iver Martin, said: ‘The Free Church of Scotland is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her 70 year reign has been characterised by continuous and wholehearted commitment to what she believed was her God given position as sovereign over the United Kingdom.

We are deeply thankful for her many years of service and the important principles she stood for, most notably her personal faith in Jesus Christ, which was made evident in her consistent conduct and regular broadcasts.

The Free Church wishes to extend its deepest and prayerful sympathy to the Royal Family: Their Royal Highnesses, Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward, together with their spouses, children and grandchildren.’

Gavin Calver of the Evangelical Alliance said: ‘We are grieved to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen today. Our prayers are with the royal family. We give thanks for her faith and her life, defined by service and commitment to God and country.’
He also said: ‘So very sad to hear of the passing of the most amazing monarch imaginable. The Queen has served incredibly and was also the greatest evangelist I could think of. Praying for the family, the nation and many others as we face up to this news. May she rest in peace & rise in glory.’