Times and Seasons

ICEJ Australia joins the world in mourning the death of our Queen and acknowledgement of her extraordinary life. A life that reflected her faith and trust in the Messiah. She frequently gave voice to that faith in her speeches as, “History teaches us… we need saving from ourselves, from our recklessness or our greed. God sent into the world neither a philosopher or a general… but a Saviour with the power to forgive.”

She was admired greatly by the Jewish community. The Prime Minister of Israel called her, ‘an extraordinary figure, a unique leader’. President Herzog said, ‘She was a historical figure—lived the history, created history and left a glorious and inspiring legacy’.

The Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom Ephraim Mirvis said in a video message,  ‘Her affection for the Jewish people ran deep, and her respect for our values was palpable’ To listen to the Chief Rabbi click here: The passing of Queen Elizabeth: Chief Rabbi’s statement – J-Wire (jwire.com.au). The Chief Rabbi composed a prayer to be recited in the synagogue the next day, Shabbat, that included an adapted extract from Proverbs 31 which is titled ‘Eshet Hayil’, ‘a Woman of Valour’. ‘Clothed in strength and dignity, she spoke with wisdom and the law of kindness was on her tongue. She watched over the ways of her nation and never ate the bread of idleness’. (In Jewish households Proverbs 31 is sung to mothers by husband and children on the eve of the Sabbath.)

Several political and religious leaders expressed the sense felt by many, that the Queen’s death was the end of an era. In this increasingly chaotic world, we are therefore privileged to have the assurance that God is firmly in control, and in confidence declare, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever… He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings…” Daniel 2:20-21.  In this verse, ‘times and seasons’ refer to set periods of time according to the Aramaic in which language much of Daniel was written. In the same way Paul was referring to set periods of time in 1 Thessalonians 5:1 when referring to the Day of the Lord to come, “But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.”  A reminder that whatever an earthly era may bring, there is an end, and glorious beginning of an eternal era to come.

Our times both personally and as a nation, are truly in God’s Hands.