A few thoughts…
On Friday 29 April the crowds will be out in London to see Prince William and his wife, the new Princess Catherine (or will it be Princess William of Wales?).
Of course, there’s plenty of conjecture about whether in the 21st century we need a monarchy or whether it’s all old hat and a waste of money, and if the United Kingdom should become the United Republic.
But actually, the fact is, the Bible tells us to pray for the Royal Family, and all who are in authority – the Lord has put them there. And we can believe that William and Kate are people of destiny, doing what they’re doing for such a time as this.
It could be that their lives are to become highly significant. Recently, intercessors were allowed the privilege of praying in Westminster Abbey at the very place where William and Kate will say their marriage vows. It’s been said that both William and Harry have made commitment to Jesus Christ. Praise the King of kings! In the light of where this nation stands in history, its current difficulties, and what’s going on in the world, these Princes need all our prayers.
Kate is not of aristocratic birth. So how significant is that? This wedding represents a new beginning, not just for the Monarchy, but for the nation, the sense of nationhood (not in the ‘nationalistic’ way), and the unity of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom.
King Jesus has not finished with Great Britain yet. It’s not about empire, but about being a Kingdom-centred kingdom. It’s about being a light to Europe and the world. It’s about the UK taking her prophetic place as we get ever closer to the return of Christ.
But first we must have, as William Wilberforce phrased it, a “reformation of manners”. We must endeavour to turn this nation around through prayer and active, protesting, radical Christianity. It’s a battle for hearts and minds not fought using the weapons of this world, but using the weapons God has given us – love, compassion, grace, forgiveness, righteousness, justice, persistence, integrity, wisdom and truth.
Church unity remains the priority, the prophetic imperative, by which the world will have its eyes opened to the reality of Jesus. Love one another. It’s a command! (John 13:34-35.)
May our obedience in this liberate divine power, as promised in Psalm 133, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Isaiah 41:17-20 (the scripture over Thurrock) and John 17:20-23.
So, whether you’re watching the Royal Wedding or not, or if you’re having a street party, or if you’re ignoring the whole thing, think about that other Great Wedding, yet to come, but come it surely will. When a Bride-made-spotless shall be presented to her Bridegroom. Jesus and his Body, the Church. A collective of commoners transformed in Royalty. Amen.
And Thurrock may yet have a part to play as all this pans out…
1 Timothy 2:1-3
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour.
>>> Prophetic word of Smith Wigglesworth (1947)
“During the next few decades there will be two distinct moves of the Holy Spirit across the church in Great Britain. The first move will affect every church that is open to receive it, and will be characterised by a restoration of the baptism and gifts of the Holy Spirit.
“The second move of the Holy Spirit will result in people leaving historic churches and planting new churches.
“In the duration of each of these moves, the people who are involved will say, ‘This is a great revival.’ But the Lord says, ‘No, neither is this the great revival but both are steps towards it.’
“When the new church phase is on the wane, there will be evidence in the churches of something that has not been seen before: a coming together of those with an emphasis on the word and those with an emphasis on the Spirit. When the word and the Spirit come together, there will be the biggest move of the Holy Spirit that the nation, and indeed, the world has ever seen. It will mark the beginning of a revival that will eclipse anything that has been witnessed within these shores, even the Wesleyan and Welsh revivals of former years. The outpouring of God’s Spirit will flow over from the United Kingdom to mainland Europe, and from there, will begin a missionary move to the ends of the earth.”
(http://www.thewayofthespirit.com/about/wigglesworth)
>>> Thurrock’s connection with the Royal Weddng… former curate of St Mary’s and Emmanuel, Chadwell St Mary, Rev Julian Gadsby (formerly Weisserhorn), is now vicar at Bucklebury, Kate’s home village! Julian appeared on BBC1 Breakfast News this morning (Thursday 28 April). He hosted Pure, the old interchurch youth service before Unite 30/31, a number of times at Emmanuel.
See:
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-12478158
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-berkshire-12969803
- http://www.tntmagazine.com/tnt-today/archive/2011/02/16/kate-middleton-s-home-town-set-for-a-royal-wedding-knees-up.aspx
- http://home.btconnect.com/buckleburyweb/bweb.htm
>>> Royal Wedding website:
- http://www.officialroyalwedding2011.org/
