The King of Kings was front and centre for the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.

The funeral for the late queen took place at Westminster Abbey 10 days after her death and was attended by kings, presidents, and other authorities from around the world, and followed by millions worldwide.

It was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who recalled that “the Queen’s service had its foundation in her following Christ, God himself”.

“The grief of this day – felt not only by the late Queen’s family but all round the nation, Commonwealth and the world – arises from her abundant life and loving service, now gone from us,” added Welby.

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The Archbishop stressed that “we will all face the merciful judgement of God: we can all share the Queen’s hope which in life and death inspired her servant leadership. All who follow the Queen’s example, and inspiration of trust and faith in God, can with her say: We will meet again.”

He also called on “to pray especially for all her family, including so many families round the world who have themselves lost someone recently - but in this family’s case doing so in the brightest spotlight.”

Bible reading

Several scriptures were read while the coffin was moving through the Abbey, such as John 11, and Job 19. Afterwards, the first lesson was 1 Corinthians 15 and Psalm 42, and the second lesson was John 14.

The Prime Minister of the UK, Liz Truss, also read a Bible text during the funeral.

Christian leaders' reactions

Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance United Kingdom (EAUK), pointed out on twitter that Justin Welby gave “an absolutely outstanding Gospel message”.

“Whilst the world watches on the message of hope was so clear, challenging & profound. Praying it’s impacted millions. What a tribute to the Queen”, underlined Calver.

Terry Vigo, founder of Newfrontiers, a worldwide family of churches, agreed, stating: ”Praise God for Welby‘s thoroughly Christ-centred words”

“On earth, it seems so right to honour her for her extraordinary life of service. In heaven her gaze will be only upon him who laid down his life for her”, said Virgo about the Queen.

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This story originally appeared at Evangelical Focus and is republished here with permission.

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