August 23 – "Take the World, but Give Me Jesus!"

“Receive this Orb, set under the Cross, and remember that the whole world is subject to the Power and Empire of Christ our Redeemer.”

With these words, the golden Orb, one of the most valuable pieces of the Regalia, was presented to Elizabeth, from the Altar of God. Outside, in the Coronation Coach, a special bracket had been fixed that she might carry it all the way from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace, in full view of all her “subjects.”

This Monarchy is an unusual thing. The Queen must summon Parliament, but the notes she reads are not her own and must be read word for word.

Money and passports and stamps are issued in her name; ambassadors conduct their transactions on behalf of Her Majesty, but Parliament tells them how to proceed.

If ever a Monarch were condemned to death, he or she would have to sign their own death warrant.

Certainly, Elizabeth did not receive the Orb as did her predecessor, not with that kind of power, nor that kind of fear. The world has turned over. People are vested with personal responsibility for their own government . . . and thus for their own governmental folly. Yet in a mysterious way, Kings and Queens of today remind us, almost more poignantly, that when God begins to bless a nation and chooses to lift a family into prominence, royal or spiritual . . . royal and spiritual! . . . He knows where they live; He remembers what He has begun.


"Family Matters"
photo by Kerry