Message from Michael

 
The Death of a Prince

With the passing into eternity of the Duke of Edinburgh, the nation mourns the death of a prince of the land. Prince Philip lived out his 99 years on the face of this earth and much has been said and written about his life, from its beginning to its end – the details meticulously wrung out. Tales are told, memories are shared, commentary is given and evaluation is made. The worth of a life is measured by men - esteem and criticism are offered in judgement.

I am reminded of words in the book of Job, about God Almighty being the only One who can rightly judge and assess:

“Is he not the One who says to kings, ‘You are worthless,’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’ who shows no partiality to princes and does not favour the rich over the poor, for they are all the work of his hands? They die in an instant, in the middle of the night; the people are shaken and they pass away; the mighty are removed without human hand. “His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step. (Job 34:18-21)

Throughout the scriptures we are made aware that each one of us, whether high or low born, will stand before God in judgement. How will we fare? All accolades of our peers will come to nothing. There is only one opinion that counts. God is watching and writing (see Revelation 20:12). 

Many will have watched our socially distanced, unembraced Queen Elizabeth and her family saying farewell to their loved one. This all done in the public spotlight – to the sound of the camera shutter stuttering in the silence of grief, before the ever-watchful eye of the videographer – every moment, tear and expression sought and captured and sold to the highest bidder – every word or walk noted, interpreted and remarked upon.

How must it be to live out one’s life so publicly? Where can one escape? Where can one take a breath or sob uncontrollably, without being weighed? Thankfully, you and I common folk carry no such burdens. Yet each one of us, whether we be royal, noble or common, live out our lives and walk in our ways before a God who sees us and knows us completely – and cares about us. Therefore, let us commit ourselves fully to Him who loves us, for “… the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).