Reflecting on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II

The Queen came to the throne in 1952, recently celebrating 70 years of service. A remarkable achievement. During her reign she witnessed enormous social change. Through it all she has been an inspiration to many, displaying exemplary personal qualities of strength, dignity, grace and integrity. 

After her passing this week, many are now entering a season of mourning for her. We draw near to God in our grief. We honour her, and pray that the Lord would preserve in us the good of her example. We give thanks for a life lived in service to others, and a life lived well. 

This Sunday we  invite you to keep a moment’s silence to reflect on how her example may have inspired, touched, you. 

Reflection Questions: Hope, Long Awaited,  Ezekiel 47.1-12.

1. So often we hear, in present day news, reports of environmental degradation, experts warning of the impacts of climate change, news of extreme weather events like floods, droughts and fires. We see evidence of creation suffering and groaning. Discuss your experience of this news. How does this kind of news impact your optimism about the future?

2. How is hope in Christ the same or different to hoping that I will win a million dollars through a tattslotto ticket? 

Some Background: The prophecies and visions in the book of Ezekiel were offered from 593 to 571 BC. This was around the time of the exile of the southern kingdom of God’s people, to Babylon. Written for the exiles, the book of Ezekiel predicts and explains the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BC. Ezekiel then goes on to explain the future for God’s people after that great disruption.

3. Read Ezekiel 10 where is the special presence of the LORD departing from in this vision? 

4. Read Ezekiel 39.21-24. Why did the Lord withdraw his face/special presence from his people at this time? Why did he send the Babylonian army, in 587BC, to express judgement upon the last intact part of his people (Jerusalem and Judah)?

5. The people of God failed, and were sent into exile in Babylon. The temple was destroyed, the people were on the whole separated from their land. Their kings failed to save them. All this because they failed to uphold their covenant with the Lord. So, what had to occur if the people were to live with God in the land again?

6. What does God promise to do after all the failings of his precious people (Ezekiel 36.22-32)?

7. The Lord promised to forgive, renew, and dwell again with his people in a special way, on earth, in a new temple. In Ezekiel 47.1-12, what will his special presence bring to earth? 

8. In the New Testament we learn that in Christ this decaying creation & the children of God, will be renewed and perfected (Romans 8.17-25). Jesus called this day ‘the renewal of all things’ (Matt. 19.28-30). How does this hope change the way the Christian responds to the voluminous amount of bad news we hear about the environment today? 

9. What is the secret to finding strength to care for creation, like Jesus, today?