據估計，全球有數十億人觀看英國女王伊莉莎白二世的葬禮，這可能是有史以來最多人收看的實況轉播。在葬禮之前，有25萬人排隊數小時，為要瞻仰女王的靈柩。葬禮當天，有上百萬人列隊在倫敦的街道兩旁相送。有五百位來自世界各國的國王、女王、總統及元首，向這位以能力及美好品格著稱的女王致敬，如此盛況史無前例。

當世人將目光集中於英國和與世長辭的女王時，我的思緒卻轉向另一件事：君王再臨。以賽亞書45章20-22節告訴我們，終有一天，列國的人將聚在一起，承認一位更偉大的君王。這位領袖富有能力和美好的特質（24節），在祂面前，萬膝必向祂跪拜，萬口必起誓效忠於祂（23節），其中包括世界各國的領袖，他們都向祂致敬，並帶領他們的百姓走在祂的光中（啟示錄21章24、26節）。然而，並非所有人都歡迎這位君王降臨，但那些迎接祂的人，將永遠享受祂的統治（以賽亞書45章24-25節）。

正如世人聚在一起為女王的離世致哀，有一天，世人也將目睹那位最偉大的君王再臨。那是多麼美好的一天！屆時，天上、地上所有的一切都要向耶穌基督屈膝，並且承認祂是主（腓立比書2章10-11節）。

With a worldwide audience estimated in the billions, the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II was possibly the most watched broadcast in history. One million people lined London’s streets on that day, and 250,000 queued for hours that week to see the Queen’s coffin. A historic five hundred kings, queens, presidents, and other heads of state came to pay tribute to a woman known for her strength and character.

As the world turned its gaze to Great Britain and its departing queen, my thoughts turned to another event—a royal return. A day is coming, we’re told, when the nations will gather to recognize a far greater Monarch (Isaiah 45:20-22). A leader of strength and character (v. 24), before Him “every knee will bow” and by Him “every tongue will swear” (v. 23), including the world’s leaders, who’ll pay Him tribute and lead their nations to walk in His light (Revelation 21:24, 26). Not all will welcome this Monarch’s arrival, but those who do will enjoy His reign forever (Isaiah 45:24-25).

Just as the world gathered to watch a queen leave, one day it will see its ultimate King return. What a day that will be—when one and all, in heaven and on earth, bow to Jesus Christ and recognize Him as Lord (Philippians 2:10-11).