A Changing of the guard is when the guard from one shift goes off duty, and a fresh group of guards replaces them. A changing of the guard also happens when groups, businesses, or governments have a change of leadership.
In the last couple of weeks, the world has witnessed a dramatic changing of the guard in the United Kingdom. The passing of Queen Elizabeth II, after 70 years on the British throne, is likely something that will not be seen again in my lifetime. For that matter, probably not in the living memory of anyone alive now.
It was a truly impressive sight to watch with all the Pomp and circumstance! [Archbishop of Canterbury 6 minute sermon. Well worth the watch.] But in light of eternity, it is a small and insignificant thing. That is because the most important Kingdom is our Creator’s eternal Kingdom.
Our concept of time rests suspended inside of eternity, and the reign of Queen Elizabeth II is a small spec on our earthly timeline.
I propose that the changing of the guard in the UK, is never-the-less representative of what is happing in our finite time and space. And it is related to Creator’s eternal Kingdom.
We are in the beginning of the greatest ever harvest of souls for the Kingdom of God. Most, if not all of the great Kingdom evangelists of my generation have gone on to glory. We see a changing of the guard to newer ones coming up, but that is not all that is changing.
With the change of people, we observe the way we communicate with people has and is dramatically changing. There have been so many technological advances in my lifetime alone that it is a bit dizzying to contemplate. We are watching a quickening pace of the changing of the guard in technologies and with the eternal Kingdom of God. As they shift, we are often swept up with the many changes to our cultures as a result.
My questions for myself and for all who read: Am I well-grounded in the eternal Kingdom? Will I stay the course with the increasing speed of the changing of the guard in every sphere as the earthly Kingdom shifts to align with the Creator’s Kingdom plans?
These questions are not intended to have yes or no answers. My prayer is that we all take time to contemplate these, and to ask Abba to reveal next steps for each of us. Like the example of the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace, I want to be in lock step with the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. I thank God that His mercies are new every morning!
