Prophetic Meaning of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine. The Most Important Commandment. Hazardous Chemicals In Food Packaging.

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Prophetic Meaning of Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine

“The long-anticipated invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops began this week. The shock of the pictures and the accounts are hard to process. We are seeing a land war in Europe for the first time in more than 30 years. There are significant implications for major nations like Germany, Poland and France. The NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) alliance will be tested. The EU (European Union) will be watched very closely for its reaction—or lack thereof. For any student of history, it is like living in 1938, on the eve of World War II. This event will change Europe and that has prophetic implications.

Where are we in Bible prophecy?

We are at the time before the appearance of a great world power described in Revelation 17:5 as Babylon the Great, a vast political, economic and religious power that dominates the world at the end of the age. This system will appear in a manner that will deceive the world into thinking it has a spiritual solution to world disorder. Those who do not worship this system and take its mark will be considered outcasts. History and prophecy show this system will have its roots in Europe while at the same time it will be global in scope. Beyond Today has a long detailed prophetic teaching showing how this works. It encompasses detailed understanding of the prophetic writings of Daniel in the Old Testament and the book of Revelation in the New Testament.

Big events in history, especially those that can lead to major shifts in the prophetic timeline, often come unexpectedly.
World War I was sparked by the assassination of a little-known member of the Hapsburg royal family. Within weeks Europe was at war. That “war to end all wars” led to World War II. Some historians call both these events one world war separated by 21 years of “peace.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has deep roots in history that go back more than 500 years. There is also a spiritual dimension to the story, involving Christianity, that goes back more than one thousand years. History does not happen in a secular vacuum, no matter what you may be taught by today’s experts. Religion matters. It drives big events. And behind big events the Bible shows us are spiritual powers that impact what we see in today’s headlines—whether it is something like this war, or the cultural battles fought in your neighborhood school board meetings—where educators are intent on introducing into your children’s minds patently evil ideas about gender and sexual identity.

But back to what is happening with Russia and Ukraine. In 2015 we published an eye-opening article about Russia that I think you will find it informative. While a few years old, it is still relevant and gives some first-hand impressions of this story unfolding right now. Please take the time to read the article, “The Russian Bear Awakens.”

We are living in important times. Be alert and watch." From: https://us1.campaign-archive.com/?e=72c729d811&u=1d04480cefc2e7c4492fe4a04&id=0104948333

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Matthew 22:36-40  "Which is the great commandment in the law?"

(36) "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" (37) Jesus said to him, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' (38) This is the first and great commandment. (39) And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' (40) On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."

Mark 12:28-31

(28) Then one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?" (29) Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: "Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one. (30) And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength."  This is the first commandment. (31) And the second, like it, is this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." There is no other commandment greater than these."

Luke 10:25-28

(25) And behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested Him, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" (26) He said to him, "What is written in the law? What is your reading of it?" (27) So he answered and said, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind,' and 'your neighbor as yourself.'" (28) And He said to him, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."

Jesus Christ's response to the Pharisee's question shows that He divided the Ten Commandments into two sections or tables. He covers the first four by saying, "'You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the first and great commandment" (verses 37-38). This supersedes all other commandments; none is greater. The second, covering the last six, is similar to it. "You shall love your neighbor as yourself" (verse 39).

God also arranged each section to begin with the most important command. He placed first the commandment, which, if kept, will ensure the greatest benefit to our lives, both physically and spiritually. On the other hand, if we break this commandment, it will cause the most damage to our worship of God or to the community by virtually ensuring that we will break others. In the first table of the law, this commandment is, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:2). In the second, it is the fifth commandment: "Honor your father and your mother that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you" (verse 12).

Just as the first commandment governs our relationship with God, the fifth commandment is first among those that govern our relationships with men. When we keep it or break it, it affects those relationships. Not only is it chief in this section, it also acts as a bridge between the two tables of the law. When we keep the fifth commandment properly, it leads us to revere and obey God Himself.”  From: https://www.theberean.org/index.cfm/main/default/id/722/ver/NKJV/matthew-22-36-40.htm

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Hazardous Chemicals In Food Packaging.

“Many of these chemicals are hazardous to human health.

Over 4,000 chemicals can be present in plastic packaging. Among those chemicals, 906 have been identified as likely to be present in plastic packaging, and of those, 68 chemicals are particularly hazardous for the environment while 63 are particularly hazardous for human health.

These chemicals can negatively affect the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Many chemicals authorized for use in food contact applications — including food packaging — cause cancer and other illnesses or interfere with reproduction and development. Many more food contact chemicals may be hazardous but they have not yet been adequately tested for toxicity.”

A lot more at: https://unwrappedproject.org/chemicals-in-food-packaging

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What Does God Say About Taxes? To Give Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins. Top 10 Most HARMFUL Foods People Keep EATING.

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“Render Unto Caesar”: What Does God Say About Taxes?

"Tax time is something that most of us dread—working our way through those forms and paying our taxes! What does God say about paying taxes?

  What did Jesus Christ say about taxes in Matthew 22:18-21? 

It’s been said that two things are certain in life: death and taxes, neither of which people look forward to. Soon after the turn of the year millions of us in the United States start to work on something that is about as much fun as having a tooth pulled.

According to RandomHistory.com, there is no known civilization in history that did not tax. Even the very first known civilization, the Sumerians, recorded their tax history on clay cones.

Taxes are what some call a “necessary evil.” After all, we daily use services that make life more convenient or safe. We drive on roads or highways with signs and lights that regulate traffic flow. We’re thankful to have the services of emergency personnel when there’s an accident or dangerous situation.

Taxes in the Bible?

We’re admonished to come out of this world and not participate in some of its systems, such as politics. Does that include the paying of taxes?

Early in the Gospel record, we find Joseph and Mary submitting to a decree by the emperor of Rome to register their names. Normally, taxation followed such a registering of a household.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child” (Luke 2:1-5).

We can see that the stepfather of the future Savior of mankind was willing to pay taxes, even to one of the most ruthless governments in history. And God used Joseph’s willingness to obey to fulfill the prophecy that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

“Render unto Caesar” 

During Jesus’ ministry, the Pharisees tried to trap Him by getting Him and the disciples in trouble with the authorities about paying taxes.

“Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might entangle Him in His talk. And they sent to Him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, ‘Teacher, we know that You are true, and teach the way of God in truth; nor do You care about anyone, for You do not regard the person of men. Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?’” (Matthew 22:15-17).

Notice His response was an admonition to pay taxes:

“But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, ‘Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? Show Me the tax money.’ So they brought Him a denarius. And He said to them, ‘Whose image and inscription is this?’ They said to Him, ‘Caesar’s.’ And He said to them, ‘Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s’” (Matthew 22:18-21).

Jesus wisely avoided their trap and showed the need to pay both taxes to the civil government (represented by Caesar) and tithes to God.

“Taxes to whom taxes are due”

After Jesus’ death and the beginning of His Church, this same teaching continued.

The Roman Empire was not always just in its rulings, but it did provide some semblance of law and order. The apostle Paul exhorted Christians to submit to the laws and authority of the civil government.

“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Romans 13:1-2).

He went on to say, “Therefore you must be subject, not only because of wrath but also for conscience’ sake. For because of this you also pay taxes, for they are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (verses 5-7).

As we benefit from many of the services provided by man’s government that are paid for out of our taxes, it is only right that we help pay for these. While we now live in this world, under its governments, we should abide by its laws so long as they do not conflict with the higher laws of God and our worship of God (Acts 5:29).

Pay your taxes and give thanks to God

When we complete our tax returns, in many cases we need to include a check to pay the remaining taxes due.

I’d like to suggest that when you do so, you read what God inspired Moses to record, and then give thanks to God.

You might be thinking, “What! I’m paying all these taxes, and you’re suggesting I give God thanks?” But consider if there are parallels between what the nation of Israel experienced and the blessing you have received.

God freed a nation of people who were slaves in the land of Egypt and brought them to a land to receive for their own. He told them that if they would obey and serve Him, that He would bless them abundantly. Once they began to enjoy those bountiful blessing, they were to acknowledge the One who had given them the blessings by taking some of the produce of the land to His priests.

“And it shall be, when you come into the land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, that you shall take some of the first of all the produce of the ground, which you shall bring from your land that the LORD your God is giving you, and put it in a basket and go to the place where the LORD your God chooses to make His name abide. And you shall go to the one who is priest in those days, and say to him, ‘I declare today to the LORD your God that I have come to the country which the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.’

“Then the priest shall take the basket out of your hand and set it down before the altar of the LORD your God” (Deuteronomy 26:1-4).

And then the one bringing the offering was to reflect on how God had delivered and blessed him.

“And you shall answer and say before the LORD your God: ‘My father was a Syrian, about to perish, and he went down to Egypt and dwelt there, few in number; and there he became a nation, great, mighty, and populous. But the Egyptians mistreated us, afflicted us, and laid hard bondage on us. Then we cried out to the LORD God of our fathers, and the LORD heard our voice and looked on our affliction and our labor and our oppression. So the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, with great terror and with signs and wonders. He has brought us to this place and has given us this land, “a land flowing with milk and honey”; and now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land which you, O LORD, have given me.’

“Then you shall set it before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God” (verses 5-10).

Though we can view the paying of taxes as a negative thing, we need to realize it is because we have received an income and blessings that we can and should pay what we owe.

Many don’t have to pay taxes

A number of years ago, a fellow minister and I were traveling down a highway in Nigeria. We came to a section where there were some Nigerian women and children standing just off the edge of the pavement in ragged clothes with their hands stretched out. The minister I was with, who had been there several times before, asked our driver to stop. He then took a handful of coins to pass out the window to them.

I learned they were lepers trying to get a little money for food from the passing cars.

So, as you take care of your annual tax responsibility, take a few minutes to express your thanks to God for your physical blessings and pray for the coming of God’s Kingdom when all the world will enjoy much greater blessing under the government of Jesus Christ. These poor lepers didn’t have to pay any taxes.

A few years later, I was in the impoverished African country of Zimbabwe conducting a religious meeting with a group of its citizens who were members of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. In this group was a younger widow living in a hut with only a dirt floor. Her meager possessions consisted of only a few pots and pans. Her husband had died in the past year. She was left alone to take care of her four young children.

She timidly raised her hand and asked a question that was on her mind. In that culture, a dowry was part of marriages and would be set aside so that if something happened to the husband, there would be something for the widow to survive on. But it was very important to her that she live a life that was right before God. She asked if she should tithe on the dowry her husband had left her. I informed her this was not be tithable income.

She also didn’t pay taxes.

Such stories could continue without end. Multiple millions today live on an income less than $100 a year. Those of us in the Western world who face what we see as an onerous task each year of tax preparation and payment should realize how many people would happily trade places with us—thankful to have income on which to pay taxes.

Be thankful

Though few understand it, most of us in the English-speaking world enjoy the abundance of national blessings because of God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants. (For more on this, download our booklet The United States, Britain and the Commonwealth in Prophecy.) Compared to so many around the earth, we are tremendously blessed and would be viewed by them as quite wealthy.

One of the prophecies directed to Abraham’s descendants speaks of the loss of those blessings because they failed to obey and give thanks to the One who gives us these blessings.

“Moreover all these curses shall come upon you and pursue and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not obey the voice of the LORD your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.

“And they shall be upon you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever. Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and gladness of heart, for the abundance of everything, therefore you shall serve your enemies, whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in need of everything; and He will put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you” (Deuteronomy 28:45-48).

So, as you take care of your annual tax responsibility, take a few minutes to express your thanks to God for your physical blessings and pray for the coming of God’s Kingdom when all the world will enjoy much greater blessing under the government of Jesus Christ.” From:  https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/finances/render-unto-caesar-taxes/?

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To Give Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins

Acts 5:29-32

“But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus whom you murdered by hanging on a tree. Him God has exalted to His right hand to be Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

“The dramatic story in Acts 4 and 5 is amazing testimony to the inspiration and power of God through His Spirit. First, Peter and John were arrested and severely threatened to not preach in Jesus’ name (Acts 4:18-21). Then apparently all the apostles were imprisoned and miraculously released by an angel (Acts 5:17-20).

Instead of going into hiding, they obeyed the command of the angel to go preach in the temple again (Acts 5:20-21). The officers and the Jewish council didn’t know what to make of the fact the prison was still locked and the guards were still guarding the empty cells. It seems they didn’t know that the apostles had escaped.

Peter and the other apostles were hauled before the council again and spoke boldly. Peter not only accused the council of murder, he proclaimed that Jesus was on the right hand of God and is our Savior. As a result of Jesus’ sacrifice, God grants repentance and is willing to forgive our sins. Jesus Himself had explained that God’s great love makes this possible, as we covered in our commentary on John 3:16.

Not only were the apostles witnesses concerning Jesus Christ’s actions and words, the miracles performed through the power of God’s Holy Spirit also gave witness that He is the Son of God. God gave His Spirit to those who repented and were baptized (Acts 2:38)—to those who committed to obeying Him, which by implication the Jewish council had not.”

Read about how God saved the apostles from the anger of the Sanhedrin in Acts 5:33-42. And read more about the Holy Spirit in “How Do You Know You Have the Holy Spirit?” and “Is the Holy Spirit a Person?”

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Top 10 Most HARMFUL Foods People Keep EATING

"Have you noticed when you are trying to eat healthy that everything has extra ingredients in it? Make sure you don't eat one of these Top 10 Most Harmful Foods People Keep Eating. There are so many food products that, while they may taste delicious, are harmful to your health."

See why on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Hr1lW83qHCs

1. Canned soup  2. white bread and wheat bread  3. canned tuna  4. diet soda  5. potato chips  6. fake maple syrup  7. margarine  8. energy drinks  9. fruit juice  10. deli meats.

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4 Romantic Alternatives to Valentine’s Day. Lower Cholesterol Without Medication.

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4 Romantic Alternatives to Valentine’s Day

“As Valentine’s Day is here, many will celebrate romantic love. But what about true love? Here are four ways to escape the superficiality of Valentine’s Day.

 Valentine’s Day!  Millions of people have already made plans for romantic getaways, ordered flowers or chocolates, and started writing valentines. For the holiday that is supposed to epitomize romantic love, it is very materially based and commercialized. Nothing says I love you like stuff, apparently.

Can a couple express true love in better ways than heart-shaped chocolates and bland, poorly worded cards?   We all better hope so.

Origin of Valentine’s Day

Before we discuss the meaningful alternatives to Valentine’s Day, consider why we should seek alternatives in the first place. What is the origin of Valentine’s Day?

Valentine’s Day is based on a very bizarre, ancient fertility festival called the Lupercalia. This festival was celebrated in mid-February in ancient Rome. The ancient Romans would sacrifice an animal on the Lupercalia and then use the hides to whip females in order to supposedly increase their fertility.

Valentine’s Day is based on a very bizarre, ancient fertility festival called the Lupercalia. Take a moment to soak in the irony of our modern society—with its concerns for women’s rights and empowerment—still celebrating a holiday rooted in a tradition of humiliating women by physically striking them with animal hides.

Another component of the festival was matchmaking. Males and females would be paired up at Lupercalia by a lottery and then would remain partners for either the duration of the festival or for a year.

Again, consider the irony of people using Valentine’s Day to express true love, when the origin of the day was based on random strangers hooking up. The original holiday was all about sex without love. So how did this perverse festival become associated with romantic love?

The Roman church later replaced the Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day in honor of a martyr named Valentine. But the popular celebration maintained the romantic and sensual elements of the pagan festival. (This is also the case with another popular holiday you might be familiar with: Easter. Ever wonder what rabbits and eggs have to do with Jesus Christ’s resurrection? You guessed it, nothing. Rabbits and eggs are all about pagan fertility worship.)

The fact that Cupid, a Roman god of love, is associated with this day is even more proof of its deep roots in ancient Roman paganism.

To learn more about why we should be careful about integrating paganism into our lives, read “How Much Pagan Is Too Pagan?”

Alternatives to Valentine’s Day

But true romantic love is the foundation of a happy marriage and was created by God (Genesis 2:24). It is a beautiful thing that shouldn’t be corrupted with a holiday so rooted in sexual promiscuity and paganism. There are much better ways to build and celebrate true romantic love than a celebration like Valentine’s Day!

Here are a few ideas for how to celebrate your love for your spouse—without doing it on Valentine’s Day!

1. Supercharge your anniversary.

The day that should be a huge celebration of love with our mate is our wedding anniversary.

With all the hectic busyness of life, and all the splitting of our focus (including a pagan holiday with naked babies shooting arrows), it might be tempting to let anniversaries go by without much fanfare. This is a mistake. We should make sure we do something special with our spouse on this day that actually does have deep romantic meaning.

Doesn’t it make more sense to celebrate romantic love on a day that has actual significance to you both instead of a day in February that had a very corrupt and strange meaning to the ancient Romans?

Ideas: Plan a dinner at a special restaurant, a getaway weekend or an exciting vacation. Relive your first date—or do something entirely new together. Be sure to tell your spouse how much you love and appreciate him or her.

2. Get romantic at unexpected times throughout the year.

Though anniversaries are great times to celebrate your love for each other, romance does not have to be tied to a calendar date. Giving gifts, writing meaningful notes and going on romantic getaways are all great for a relationship—and they can be done at any time of the year! In fact, these things are even more meaningful when they are spontaneous and done out of sincere appreciation and love.

Gifts and romantic gestures done at unexpected times and for no other calendar reason will always be greatly remembered and treasured. It is somewhat shocking that so many people wait until a holiday inspired by fertility rites and a Roman god to actually show how much they love their mates. We are told not to worship God through pagan practices (Deuteronomy 12:31), and we also should be careful to not degrade love by mixing it with perverse paganism.

Gifts and romantic gestures done at unexpected times and for no other calendar reason will always be greatly remembered and treasured by those receiving them.

Ideas: Be consistent with little gifts, candies or gestures throughout the entire year. Plan something with lots of “us” time involved that is not tied to any specific date. Do it just because it’s good for the relationship!

3. Talk to each other every day.

Yes, it may sound simplistic—but it is actually a huge thing! It’s important to speak to one another.

Where does real romance that is related to true love come from? A solid, healthy relationship. The old adage of “we could talk for hours” should still be one of the most romantic things to us. The wonderful thing about the giving of gifts and the dinners, trips and adventures together is the closeness that should result from them. This closeness is mainly shared through conversation.

No, not from a three-line French poem that someone memorized to impress a date. No, not the seemingly wonderful wisdom of “be my valentine” (meaningless, if you think about it!) scratched on cheap candy. Closeness comes from real words and the development of a connection between two people who truly love each other.

Ideas: Have a set time every single night where the television, computer, phones and everything else are turned off—so you can talk with the person you love. Walk and talk. Eat and talk (not at the same time!). Sit and talk. Exercise and talk. Whatever you are doing, make sure talking is involved.

4. Put 1 Corinthians 13 into practice every day.

It’s nicknamed the Love Chapter for good reason. This chapter comprehensively lists what love is and what it isn’t. We can use this chapter as a daily, monthly or yearly project to improve our relationships. God wrote the book on love, so His Bible should be the primary place we go for guidance in expressing proper love within marriage.

The Love Chapter is filled with guidance on how to treat the love of your life. Here are some ways 1 Corinthians 13 can be put into practice to improve our relationships:

• Love suffers long: When our mates do something that really bothers us, we should let it go or work on improving the problem together.
• Love is kind: We should do something kind for our mates without being asked—often.
• Love does not parade itself: We should be sure to tell our mates how much we love them privately—we don’t need to use Facebook to demonstrate our love for our mate!
• Love is not puffed up: We should always be ready to admit when we’ve done something wrong.
• Love does not behave rudely: We should make sure our marriage is characterized by considerate behavior toward each other.
• Love does not seek its own: We should willingly and joyfully do something we have no interest in, but our mate enjoys.

The Love Chapter, though about a much deeper love than just romantic love, is filled with guidance on how to treat the love of your life. Read it often. For more insight on 1 Corinthians 13, read our article about “The Love Chapter.”

One 24-hour period involving candies and ancient fertility symbolism does not come close to the fulfilling and meaningful love God wants us to enjoy.

Isn’t it time for you to ditch Valentine’s Day and demonstrate true love God’s way?

Topics Covered: Relationships, Holidays, Marriage  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/relationships/blog/3-romantic-alternatives-to-valentines-day/?

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Lower Cholesterol Without Medication

“Cholesterol numbers are one of the most powerful indicators of your risk for developing and dying from heart disease. Statins are commonly prescribed for lowering cholesterol, but they don’t offer significant improvements to the health of arteries or reductions in heart disease. Artery-clogging cholesterol is only found in substantial amounts in animal foods such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs and dairy. When you eliminate these foods from your diet and replace them with starches and whole foods, your cholesterol levels will go down and your arteries will begin to heal.

Doctors and drug companies aim to reduce blood fat levels through medications like Lipitor, but the benefits in lives saved by these drugs fall short of expectations. Well-informed patients will resolve elevated cholesterol and triglyceride values by dealing with the cause: a diet high in animal products and low in plant foods.

Beginning with an average cholesterol level of 220 mg/dl (5.79 IU), you can expect a 30 mg (1.1 IU) reduction in your cholesterol level in 2 weeks. If your cholesterol level is higher than that, then you can probably expect an even bigger improvement. Triglyceride reductions can also be dramatic but simple sugars, including fruit and juice, must be limited or eliminated for the best results.”     More at: https://www.drmcdougall.com/articles/common-health-problems/cholesterol-triglycerides/?

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Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-Year Reign. British Monarchy and the Bible? NYC Just Made This VEGAN Its Mayor.

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Celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s 70-Year Reign

“Queen Elizabeth II acceded to the throne Feb. 6, 1952. Her devotion to her people and duties are legendary. What can we learn from this remarkable monarch?

Though she came to the throne in February, the official celebrations marking Queen Elizabeth II’s platinum jubilee—70 years of service to the 54 nations making up the Commonwealth today—will be June 2 to 5, 2022.

To many of the 2.4 billion citizens of the Commonwealth, she represents an example of grace, faithfulness, modesty and Christian values. But her life has not been easy.

70 years of service

The length of her reign is indeed special, but even more than how long she has ruled, Queen Elizabeth II stands out as beloved and respected for her behavior and dedication to her people.

In recent years, there have been many critics of royal heritage and privilege, yet in the United Kingdom few would take issue with the devotion with which Queen Elizabeth II has approached her many roles.

Unexpected accession to the throne

Britannica.com provides her full name and title: “Elizabeth Alexandra Mary, officially Elizabeth II, by the Grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of her other realms and territories Queen, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.”

Elizabeth was born April 21, 1926, in London, England. As a young girl, she was never expected to rule. Elizabeth was the elder daughter of a younger son of King George V. It seemed the young Elizabeth had little chance of becoming queen until her uncle, Edward VIII, suddenly abdicated on Dec. 11, 1936. Overnight her father became King George VI, and Elizabeth became next in line to the throne.

Elizabeth acceded to the throne after her father’s untimely death on Feb. 6, 1952.

If you would like to read more about Queen Elizabeth’s accession and events in the early part of her reign, please refer to our blog posts “The Queen’s Sapphire Jubilee” and “The Dedicated Queen Turns 90.”

Promise from a princess

On her 21st birthday, in April 1947, Princess Elizabeth broadcast a promise from Cape Town, South Africa, to the Commonwealth. The young princess said, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

She has carried out this promise, becoming perhaps the most traveled ruler in history. Five years ago, the Daily Telegraph estimated her travels had taken her more than 1,032,500 miles (42 times around the earth) as she became familiar with her Commonwealth subjects and rulers.

In 2015 she surpassed Queen Victoria as the longest-reigning monarch in British history.

Whether by choice or accident, the queen took steps that brought the royal family into new territory. Allowing the televising of selected aspects of their domestic life in 1970 and permitting the dissolution of her sister Margaret’s marriage in 1978 brought more attention to what was often portrayed as an obsolete and costly institution.

The decade of the 1990s brought acute criticism on the “royals.” The queen’s eldest son, Prince Charles, separated from the popular icon, Princess Diana. Prince Andrew separated from Sarah, duchess of York. Princess Anne, the queen’s only daughter, divorced. And parts of the royal residence at Windsor Castle were destroyed by fire. Later that decade, Diana died in a car crash in 1997.

In the queen’s golden jubilee year in 2002, she lost her sister Margaret and her mother, the highly respected and loved “Queen Mum,” who died at 104 years of age.

After the marriage of Prince William (Charles’ eldest son from his marriage to Diana) to Kate Middleton, the royal family regained some standing with the public. Both William and his younger brother Harry served in the armed forces. They offered a fresh outlook to those of their generation.

Yet strangely, it was a television series, The Windsors in 2016, that brought back an increasingly positive note to the British royal family.

As constitutional monarch, Queen Elizabeth has interacted with 14 different prime ministers through the years. The first was Winston Churchill, and the list includes Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May, the only two female British prime ministers in history. One of her regular duties has been to open new sessions of Parliament explaining what “my government” plans to accomplish that year.

Queen Elizabeth married her childhood sweetheart, Philip Mountbatten, on Nov. 20, 1947. After 73 years of marriage, Prince Philip, the duke of Edinburgh, died in 2021 just two months before his 100th birthday. He had constantly been by her side during her reign until, at the age of 95, he retired from active engagements in August 2017.

Public engagements now increasingly fall to younger members of the royal family, such as Prince Charles, heir to the throne, and Prince William, his firstborn son. They are increasingly lessening the load on the queen.

Why do her subjects love her?

There are many reasons to honor and love Queen Elizabeth. Most of us only dream of reaching her age of 95 and still being relatively active and healthy. Many look at her example and love for her people and feel love and respect for her as they would for their own mother or grandmother.

As we consider her approach to life and her interaction with others, we note how positive results come from following biblical principles.

Long life, definitely a milestone Elizabeth II has reached, was promised by God to those who honor their parents (Exodus 20:12). I have no doubt she respects the memory of her late father and mother. Perhaps, as governor of the Church of England, she has also followed the scriptural injunction for royalty to be very familiar with the content and practice of God’s Word (Deuteronomy 17:18-20).

Qualities we can emulate

Here are some nuggets we can appreciate from the unprecedented reign of a graceful and patient monarch:

Accept the mantle of responsibility: Initially the young Elizabeth was not expecting to become queen, nor did she understand the many responsibilities that would be laid on her shoulders. Once her father, King George VI, had been crowned in 1936, how aware was 10-year-old Elizabeth that she was in line for royal duties over as many years as God would give her?

Yet by age 21 she was willing to promise, “My whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

This should remind us of the Christian’s calling to serve humanity as a whole as a ruler with Jesus Christ at His return (Revelation 5:10; Luke 19:11-19). For Christians, the training to be able to take on such responsibility is happening right now through overcoming the lusts of the flesh and the influence of Satan and his society (Revelation 2:26).

Serve and care: In her many overseas visits and when fulfilling charitable duties in Britain, the queen meets and spends time with people she cares for. They do not live in palaces or own vast estates. Video recordings of her walkabouts show her greeting people and accepting bouquets of wild flowers from children. The queen always shows a genuine, heartfelt interest in those she meets.

We must similarly follow the pure example of Jesus Christ who ate and conversed in the same manner with those who were often treated with disdain (Matthew 9:9-13). Jesus also had a special love for the humble teachability of children and encouraged them to come to Him (Matthew 18:2-5; 19:13-15).

Handle the ups and downs of life with dignity: Queen Elizabeth II has no doubt experienced and learned many lessons from family and regal life during her 70 years of rulership.

With the death of her husband, the queen no longer has the support of perhaps her greatest admirer, Prince Philip. But like her mother, she will “keep calm and carry on.”

Whether royalty or commoner, we all deal with times of sorrow and suffering. But the Bible has good news. Everyone going through these ups and downs of life can know God’s Purpose for You and that a wise and kind Ruler is coming soon who will rule for, not 70, but a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). In fact, we are told there will be no end to His Kingdom and the peace and joy it will bring (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 9:7).”  From: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/prophecy/12-tribes-of-israel/12-tribes-of-israel-today/queen-elizabeth-ii-70-year-reign/?

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Sidebar: Is There a Connection Between the British Monarchy and the Bible?

When the patriarch Jacob bestowed blessings on his 12 sons, he gave a unique blessing to his son Judah: “The scepter shall not depart from Judah” (Genesis 49:10). A scepter is a symbol of royal authority.

That promise began to be fulfilled when God inspired Samuel to anoint a descendant of Judah, David the son of Jesse, as king of Israel (1 Samuel 16). Though not a perfect man, David faithfully reigned over Israel for 40 years and was “a man after [God’s] own heart” (Acts 13:22).

As a result of David’s faithfulness, God entered into a unique covenant with him—often called the Davidic covenant. As a part of this covenant, God promised that He would “establish the throne of his kingdom forever” (2 Samuel 7:13). This covenant was reiterated hundreds of years later by the prophet Jeremiah: “For thus says the LORD: ‘David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel’” (Jeremiah 33:17). Ultimately, Jesus Christ is prophesied to sit on that throne (Luke 1:31-32).

But students of history understand that the Davidic throne was thought to be destroyed in 586 B.C. when the Babylonians conquered Judah and imprisoned the last Davidic king, Zedekiah, until his death (2 Kings 25:4-7; Jeremiah 52:11). We also read that in an attempt to end the Davidic line, the Babylonian king brutally executed Zedekiah’s sons (2 Kings 25:7).

This was an attempt, no doubt inspired by Satan, to wipe out the Davidic royal line in order to cause God’s covenant with David to fail. But God’s promises and covenants never fail.

The book of Jeremiah provides some fascinating clues as to how this royal line would continue. In two passages in his book, Jeremiah makes a specific note that King Zedekiah’s daughters survived the Babylonian captivity and were taken, along with Jeremiah himself, to Egypt (Jeremiah 41:10; 43:5-6).

There is no more mention of the fate of the king’s daughters in the Bible. Could Jeremiah have included this detail about Zedekiah’s daughters to be a clue as to how David’s royal line would continue? Though historical details from this period are sketchy, some have pointed to the possibility that one of Zedekiah’s daughters could have been transported to Ireland by Jeremiah to be married into another royal line, thus extending the throne of David forward through history.

Could the occupants of the British throne be descended from David through one of King Zedekiah’s daughters? It is interesting that many symbols associated with Ireland and the British throne are similar to symbols associated with the Davidic dynasty.

Though it’s difficult to prove definitively through secular history, this could explain why the British throne has endured through the centuries to this very day.”

To read more about this fascinating subject, see pages 46-53 of our booklet The United States, Britain and the Commonwealth in Prophecy.”

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NYC Just Made This VEGAN Its Mayor

“Watch this POWERFUL speech where Eric Adams discusses his plant-based journey, and removing processed meat from school menus!”

YouTube: https://youtu.be/w6FRhmF40Ec

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