Psalm 20
OT Reading: Proverbs 8, 1, 6-16
NT Reading: Romans 13.1-10
Gospel : Luke 22.24.30
Kingship and service
Jesus said: I am among you as one who serves (Luke 22.27)
Our readings this morning, specially chosen to mark the national celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday, invite us to reflect on what it means to exercise authority, as an act of public service, under the overarching rule of God. After highlighting some of the key points in the readings themselves, I shall say a few words in praise of the way Her Majesty has exercised her unique authority, before going on to suggest, in the light of her example, what the readings might mean for us.
First then, the readings. By me kings reign, and rulers decree what is just (Proverbs 8.15). This passage from the book of Proverbs was the locus classicus for the Divine Right of Kings. Next we had Paul’s assertion that there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. On these foundations King James I, an ardent and it has to be said not entirely disinterested proponent of the divine right of kings, felt he was entitled to claim that monarchy is ‘the supremest thing upon earth; for kings are God’s lieutenants upon earth.’
Things have moved on since then, and although the Queen still has a formal role as Head of State, and we as citizens are still subject to the governing authorities, the locus of power has long since shifted across the park to Downing Street and Westminster. In any case Paul goes on to remind his readers of the higher moral code enshrined in Christ’s summary of the Mosaic law. Alongside the commandment to love God with all our hearts, most of the other commandments can be summed up in the injunction to love your neighbour as yourself. That command goes way beyond the paying of taxes and the respect due to properly instituted authority. It takes us into the realm of the kingdom of heaven, where our responsibilities as citizens and neighbours are raised to an altogether higher level.
In our gospel reading the whole order of society is upended. The greatest has become like the youngest, and the leader like one who serves. In John’s gospel Jesus underlines the point by washing the disciples feet. Despite all the stories he has told about the kingdom of heaven, they still do not understand what makes it so different. Jostling for position among themselves, the disciples argue about who is to be the greatest. Despite their bluster, Jesus knows that in the coming crisis they will not in fact have the courage to stand by him, but he recognises the loyalty and the love that he can see in their confused and muddled hearts. Knowing what they face, he has prayed for them, and he trusts his Father to hear his prayer. The world is about to be turned upside down, and empowered by his Spirit they are set to become key figures in a new order, where the humility of the servant is to be the hallmark of regal authority.
As a young woman Princess Elizabeth made a public commitment to all her subjects that ‘my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service, and the service of our great imperial family, to which we all belong.’ The faithfulness with which she has steadily discharged that commitment has contributed in no small measure to the peaceful transformation of that imperial family into a Commonwealth of Nations, whose members continue to value their connection with this country and with much that is good in our traditions of democracy, fairness and good governance. That is not to say that our own behaviour as an imperial power was exemplary, or that every member of the Commonwealth has maintained the highest standards of governance, but in a period of rapid change the Queen, as Head of the Commonwealth, has been tireless in fostering, and indeed in embodying those traditions, alongside that respect for diversity of culture and religious belief, which is a part of the Commonwealth’s strength.
She takes care not to say anything which is politically controversial, but I’d like to quote from two speeches which do say something about the values for which she stands. First then, on the value of diversity:
Discrimination still exists. Some people feel that their beliefs are being threatened. Some are unhappy about unfamiliar cultures. They all need to be reassured that there is so much to be gained by reaching out to others, that diversity is indeed a strength and not a threat.
And on Europe:
In remembering the appalling suffering of war on both sides, we recognise how precious is the peace we have built in Europe since 1945.
We salute to-day a wise and gracious old lady who has kept her promise of devoted service to her people for more than 64 years. There can be little doubt that her commitment, which shows no sign of flagging even now, has its roots in a deep personal faith. Monarchists and republicans alike can be grateful for all she has done and continues to do.
I promised to conclude with a few words about what to-day’s readings might mean for us, in the light of her example. First, we are enjoined to seek the Wisdom of the Bible, which is the truth about God. Seek and ye shall find. If that sort of Wisdom is what we truly seek, it will help us to live comfortably – as Paul requires – with the exercise of legitimate authority under God. If we take humbly and seriously Jesus’ own example – I am among you as one who serves – we shall also find the right way to exercise any leadership responsibilities that may be entrusted to us. Second, as Paul reminds us, we should be thankful for a framework of sound government that keeps the peace and helps us to fulfil our basic social responsibilities. Inspired by the Queen’s example, we should celebrate to-day the devoted public service of many thousands of doctors and teachers, soldiers and civil servants, tax collectors and social workers, whilst remembering that our Lord’s commandment to love our neighbours as ourselves challenges all of us to follow his example in going way beyond the ordinary call of duty. Finally, we share the psalmist’s confidence in the power of the Lord our God, to support us whether the path we are called to travel is rough or smooth. You will remember how the Queen spoke about her annus horribilis, honestly and wryly, but without a trace of bitterness or blame. In all of this I believe she has set us an admirable example. God save the Queen! Long may she reign!