The British royal family on the balcony of Buckingham Palace in June of 2013. (Photo by Wikimedia Commons)
A recent tour of Buckingham Palace in London, England, led the author to ponder an even greater seat of power.
Recently my wife and I, along with hundreds of others, were able to stroll at leisure through Buckingham Palace. It is one of the residences used by the reigning monarch of the British royal family. A number of adjectives could be used to describe the decor we enjoyed seeing during our visit there: spectacular, impressive, stunning!
The part of the palace open to public viewing contained the most ornate set of rooms I have ever walked through. With ceilings as high as 20 to 45 feet, these rooms have sparkling crystal and cut-glass chandeliers hanging above. These give light to wonderfully decorated ceilings that towered over us as we proceeded through the various rooms.
The picture gallery
Original masterpieces by some of the world’s most celebrated painters hang on either side of the gallery. Biblical scenes, as well as portraits of historical figures, fascinated and enthralled us. Ongoing commentaries guided us on our way from room to room. These grand rooms are used for any number of reasons: investitures, state banquets, award ceremonies, etc.
The largest room
The largest room in the palace is 36.6 meters long, 18 meters wide and 13.5 meters high (or about 120 feet long, 60 feet wide and 45 feet high) and serves as a ballroom and a banquet hall for the annual diplomatic reception. This is a very formal occasion when the official representatives of other countries are hosted by the queen.
On display for the public this summer were the coronation robes, dresses, tiaras, crowns and some priceless gold plates and goblets, all used 60 years ago for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
The queen is the head of state for the United Kingdom and 16 other countries of the Commonwealth. She heads the British Commonweath, which includes 53 member countries. Queen Elizabeth occupies the throne of the oldest constitutional monarchy in the world. The throne room contains Queen Elizabeth’s and Prince Philip’s thrones, which are on a raised dais. The thrones are the same ones used in the 1953 coronation.
A comparison
Walking through this palace that displays the majesty of physical royalty brought to mind scriptures in the Bible about God’s throne room.
In Revelation 4 and 5, the apostle John gives a description of God’s throne in heaven. The Father sits on a throne, surrounded by angelic advisers on other thrones. Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, is vividly described as ready to receive power, honor and worship (Revelation 5:11-14).
A contrast
We, as guests at Buckingham Palace, were somewhat overwhelmed and in awe of the physical splendor we were observing. This experience led me to reflect on the biblical description of God’s throne in Revelation. As Daniel 2:44 explains, God’s Kingdom is one that will stand forever. His Kingdom will never be replaced and will exist forever. Surely this Kingdom, which will be superior to all previous human kingdoms, will have a glory to it that surpasses anything man has produced.
Further in Daniel’s visions we see an even more detailed picture of “ten thousand times ten thousand” standing before God (Daniel 7:10). In verses 13-14, Christ is given dominion, glory and a kingdom, and we’re told that “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, … and His kingdom the one which shall never be destroyed.”
The future
All of man’s history has displayed inequalities and people taking advantage of others. Rulers around the world often live in the splendor of opulent palaces while millions of their people live in abject poverty and filth. This will change! We are promised by the Creator of all things that Jesus will return to this earth and offer a way of life that will give all an opportunity to better their lives. What is more important, salvation will be offered to the millions that survive the suffering and disasters that Jesus predicted will take place before He returns (Matthew 24:15-35).
What lies ahead
There will be a dramatic change in leadership in the near future. Revelation 11:15-19 gives the promise that Christ will return as King and Lord of all the earth. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Christ’s return and shows His name as KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS, meaning that He will guide the other divinely appointed rulers of the earth.
Buckingham Palace is a sight to see and to appreciate what earthly beauty man can produce, but it is no comparison to the magnificence of the dazzling, colorful light in which the Sovereign Ruler of this universe sits. In His throne room, God is using His awesome power to provide a rewarding future for all mankind.
Let us be very thankful that God has a wonderful plan of salvation that will provide a future far more spectacular than any man-made palace can or will provide.
Date Posted: September 3, 2013
About the Author
Paul Suckling
Paul Suckling is a pastor for the Church of God, a Worldwide Association. He was born in England and now lives in New England. He is happily married to his wife of over 50 years, Jane. They have two children and two grandchildren.
by Paul Suckling
