Prime Minister Boris Johnson, when asked today in a press conference to comment on the royal controversy, declined to answer. He said that any response to Harry and Meghan's accusations should come from the Royal Family. He added that he was very disappointed in the matter because the Crown provides a moral avenue for the unification of all citizens of Great Britain.
This consternation surrounding royal conflict and how to absorb the meaning emotionally says more about humankind than the current royals or the 1,200-year-old British monarchy. Societies of the human race have historically sought kingships as universal authorities over governance. Even when given the opportunity to live under the laws and leadership of a loving God, nations of people have chosen kings.
In ancient Israel, God lived among His people. He appointed judges to govern. At a pivotal time, those in authority failed to provide justice. The people cried out for "a king to judge us like all nations." 1 Samuel 8:5. Samuel objected, yet the Lord told him, "obey the voice of the people and all they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me from being king over them." 1 Samuel 8:7. God further instructed Samuel to warn them of the ways of a king who shall reign over them. Samuel delivered God's warning, you won't like it.
Ultimately, Saul was chosen King of Israel "…and all the people shouted 'Long live the king.'" 1 Samuel 10:24. This scripture is where the English tradition originated to shout "Long live the king" when a new monarch is crowned. Following this time in ancient Israel, God has allowed the experiment of kings over the people to play out to its logical conclusion.
It is interesting to note that nearly every nation in the world today was at one time governed by a hierarchical succession in the structure of a monarch, emperor, czar, tribal leader, chief, or dictator, or was the colony of a country with an authoritarian leader. Even Canada and Australia are still technically subjects of the British monarchy. Twenty-six royal families currently rule in the world by various levels of authority and privilege. Great Britain is the greatest monarchy that, at one time, ruled a worldwide empire.
Why do we as members of the human race seek kings in full authority to unite us? Because we know we cannot do it ourselves, and we fear the authority of God.
In ancient Israel, the Israelites were blessed to have God live among them. They asked for a king, and the result has been exactly what Samuel warned. In 1776, the colonies of America had a king. In declaring independence, our forefathers declared God the Sovereign. It is not a coincidence that, in this age of economic turbulence, the two greatest economic powers on the planet, the United States and China, are challenging the evidence of the great American Experiment.
China throughout its history has been governed by an emperor or an authoritarian leader. Their call of obedience is to the state. A law has been passed directing every Chinese corporation to appoint to the Board of Directors an officer whose responsibility it is to monitor and assure that all activities and objectives of the company are dedicated for the "greater glory of China." They are doubling down on the demand for a king.
China dictates unity by governmental decree. The United States seeks unity in the universal commitment to equality of human rights. The further the United States turns away from the truth that all rights come from God, the further America's divisions widen. For the only ultimate alternative to the creed that God is sovereign over man and man is sovereign over government is the false religion of communism that government is sovereign over man and there is no God. Any other structure of government must weigh the absolute imperative of 1 Samuel 8:7.
There has been at least one king, King David, who ruled every day in respect of the Lord's Word. He was a man after the Lord's own heart. For unity, mankind needs a king or a leader who, by reference, casts the vision of righteousness that all individuals are created equal in the purpose of the Lord. Only in the recognition of His sovereignty can we be united despite each of our own prejudices.
Queen Elizabeth II is the spiritual leader of England as the head of the Anglican Church. On several occasions, she has invited pastors to Buckingham Palace, including Billy Graham, to advise her on the Word of the Lord and His laws for ruling the people. She has never denied the sovereignty of the Lord. Perhaps this is why she has a 73% approval rating even though less than 55% of the citizens of the United Kingdom are Christian. Citizens naturally respond favorably to a benevolent monarch who seeks and governs by the laws of a higher authority.
In these times, we cry out for leaders who will seek God to guide them in ruling over their people. In essence of unity exists the acknowledgment that God is sovereign over kings. The Judges of the Old Testament as fallen humans disappointed the Israelites in the dispensation of justice. Leaders today, as subjects of the same fallen world, will continue to fall short if their obedience is to the objective of the state only and not to God's authority.
Learning this lesson is critical in the duration of this system of things. The Lord loves us so much that He wants us to realize His Truth and obey His Laws. He is the Creator of time. And for realizing this Truth in essence of unity, He will give us all the time it takes.
And, He has all the time in the world.
The dilemma of how to reconcile the latest British monarchy crisis is less about the institution or "the Firm" and more about our own personal moral constitution.
In whom do we trust with ultimate authority?
My name is Marc Nuttle, and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?