I love all things royal for some very different reasons. I do have some British blood through my Dad’s side of the family and was completely enamoured with Princess Diana as a young girl, even copying her hairstyle. I have watched the pomp and ceremony of big occasions when they have occurred. There was much beauty in the coronation proceedings, but today I tend to hold these things in a bit more balance being very aware of the conversations about monarchy and money and injustice and colonisation. (My own country of South Africa and continent of Africa being negatively affected by it.) There’s a lot of ugly stuff that needs understanding of all the intersections and nuances, and a lot that needs to be fixed and given back to the people and other countries. But that’s for another conversation.
About 10 years ago I came across a course called Modern Day Princess by Doreen Hanna in the USA (or Daughter of the King for better clarification). It was a rite of passage course for young ladies on that brink between young girls and young ladies. Just as teenage years are arriving and life changes quite dramatically in many ways. It’s a journey in identity. Their identity as a daughter of the King of Kings, their relationship with Him, themselves, their family, friends, future spouse, their community and the world. It’s a fantastic journey of discovery and healing. I have had the privilege of taking 6 groups of girls through this course since 2013. In needing some décor for weekly displays there have been many additions of all things royal added to the collection, including a purple robe from a friend, many crowns and tiaras, old style jewels, beautiful cups, gold bags and pretty material.
So, I was interested in all the symbolism of the coronation today. I will always default to pledging all my allegiance to the King of all Kings, and not to an earthly king or queen. I firmly believe in the priesthood of all believers too and so many of those things said over King Charles today, I believe God would speak over those who believe in him and choose to follow him. If you are a follower of Jesus, then you will more than likely lead others to him, that makes you a leader and an excellent leader is one who reflects the image of God in unwavering love and loyalty. The love and loyalty is towards the people and their goodness, it’s not about self. It was said a few times today that King Charles is a servant to the people. ‘Service is love in action’ was one comment.
The kingdom of God is very different to any other kingdom of this world, but there was a strong focus today on the Bible and the wisdom that comes from it. It was said this is royal law, here is wisdom, the lively oracles of God. I cannot think off the top of my head of any earthly kingdom, empire, democracy or autocratic Government where the word of God is taken seriously enough for us to experience the difference this wisdom brings. I do not support Christian nationalism either because that also does not reflect the Kingdom of God. It seems to be fear based and that then leads to power and control issues where servanthood and God’s wisdom seems to be entirely forgotten about. Corruption and deceit seem to follow next.
Backing up a bit, I have been following a devotional by Lectio 365, and in the last few days Izwe Nkosi has been unpacking a few things on wisdom. Mainly coming from the book of Proverbs, which is uncanny after looking at today’s proceedings. Proverbs is a king’s practical life instruction to his son. It’s also for anyone in leadership. Do not forget my teaching, let your heart keep my commandments. This will be added to you – length of days, years of life and peace. It goes on to say ‘bind them around your neck.’ That’s pretty close to you and visible to all. ‘Write them on the tablet of your heart.’ Again, so close and intimate and having huge impact on the way you live. This will help you to find favour and good success. And this is not just personal wealth and success, otherwise we have lost the plot again about servant leadership and honouring others above oneself as we find in Romans 12:10 and in Philippians 2:3. This is to be done in the sight of God and man. It then says trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not lean on your own understanding. Now there’s a thing. The day before while looking at Proverbs 2 it said that we should ask God for wisdom and that he stores it up for you. That blew my mind just a bit. It’s like the more you ask, the more he will give. I wonder how many of our world leaders practice this? It’s available for any person who is earnestly following God.
Some of the symbolism that stood out to me. The Bible – the comment made was that it is the most valuable thing that this world affords. Blessed is he who reads it, hears the words and does the things contained in it. It's not just good leadership advice, it holds the words of eternal life. The glove – having authority with gentleness and grace. Charles sword – not just for judgement, but to be just. Not just for might, but to show mercy. It was also said to him that he would be clothed with a robe of righteousness. The rod of equity and mercy, so that justice and mercy will be seen in all the earth. IN ALL THE EARTH – these statements, these words, these actions, if applied, could affect the whole earth. The sceptre – kingly power and justice. A reminder of covenant and peace. The crown - a symbol of royal majesty, that he may be crowned with God’s gracious favour and filled with abundant grace and all princely virtues, through one Supreme God. (Justin Welby)
These are weighty things to carry. These are amazing things to carry. These are world changing things to carry. Transformation available if the wisdom is applied and carried out after asking God for it over and over again. It would change everything about the monarchy as we know it. He agreed and said yes to all these things spoken over him. Maybe that Holy Spirit blessing spoken today would be welcomed to breathe the life and change we would all desperately like to see. Humility would need to come into the picture in large amounts. Doing justice (there’s so much to put right in a restorative way), loving mercy (there’s so much opportunity to really show love and honour to your neighbor) and walking humbly with your God (looking to him for the help and wisdom needed) - that scripture from Micah 6:8 kept playing on my mind as these different symbols were presented and talked about. That’s what God requires of us.
In 2 Timothy it speaks about leaders (this includes kings, all in high positions, presidents, prime ministers or something else) are to lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way because this is pleasing to God. Godly and dignified to me is so many of the words spoken over Charles and Camilla today. These same words and sentences have possibly been used many times in coronations and other solemn ceremonies. For some reason they were important to utter today on such an auspicious occasion. Godly qualities from the book of wisdom are needed in large amounts for our world to function like it should. We need a new season of leadership where it’s not about self, power, control, status, position and building personal wealth. It should be about the betterment of the people and the world as a whole. Keep asking God for wisdom and he will give it.
On my home front of South Africa, I have been reading a book called ‘Made in South Africa’, by Lwando Xaso. A brilliant lawyer who understands our Constitution so well and seeks to make it easily understood to others. She says our bar raising constitution needs bar-raising leaders and she is very clear on what makes good leaders. People who exhibit integrity, are ethical, reliable, honest and conscientious. Sounds like the wisdom and weighty words spoken at the coronation today.
She goes on to say that leaders owe us words that validate, soothe, inspire, build, unify and form communities. Leaders owe us the duty of searching for the right words. The ability to resist the temptation of diverting one’s gaze but to face a difficult moment straight on and to bravely put words to that moment is critical for an effective leader. Those kinds of words and actions were mentioned in abundance today. Bravery and courage are being called upon in these current times. For leaders to shake things up and turn things around for a new future. One we have yet to see.
Lwando says, “Mandela was the right leader at the right time. He understood the power of words, that sometimes the power of words, when all seems lost, is all that we can offer. Even as he faced a lifetime of imprisonment, he left behind words that sustained his followers until the dream was realised.
My childhood was framed by Mandela’s rainbow nation rhetoric. I did not understand politics, but I understood the need for community and unity at the age of 10. It makes me wonder what vision today’s children are being called to by our leaders. Who do they aspire to emulate? What vision do they have for the world and for our country? And whose words do they cling to during uncertain times?”
So powerful when we think beyond to those who are listening and watching for now and will one day get a chance to lead. What is the example being shown? My one suggestion would be that we keep drawing on that store of wisdom that God has waiting for those who seek him, ask him and then use it in the execution of their leadership responsibilities. The robe of righteousness and justice would be on display for all to see and benefit from.
