Most importantly for Elizabeth, she was a Christian. She believed in Jesus. She was a follower of Jesus. She read her Bible every day for God’s wisdom in her own life and as a monarch. Here is her prayer request during her first Christmas broadcast as queen: ‘Pray for me … that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.”
Service. Romans 12:7, Paul writes of the gift of service: “If it is serving, let him serve….” When she became queen, Elizabeth she made this pledge in her coronation speech: “I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.” Five years before she ascended to the throne she said, “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service.”
Joy. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10) Today, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said when he met her that her joy showed from within.
Love. “Now faith, hope and love remain, but the greatest of these is love.” Here is what she said the day after the September 11th attack to Americans, “Grief is the price we pay for love.” On that day she also graciously requested the playing of the USA National Anthem.
Elizabeth now has answered into eternal life. She is temporarily absent from the body but present from the Lord. She has seen Jesus’ smile and her Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”