Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. – Psalm 93:2

Today’s Scripture Reading (July 11, 2019): Psalm 92 & 93

When Albert Frederick Arthur George rose to the throne of England, he did not become King Albert. And although it might have been fun to choose King Arthur as his regnal name, and connect himself with the mythical knights of the round table, he didn’t choose that name either. Instead, Prince Albert chose King George VI as the name with which he would rule. And the choice was not because he always loved the name George. After the short rule and abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, George wanted to connect himself with his father and his rule and the history of England. Prince Albert’s choice of the name was an effort by a reluctant king to connect his reign with those who came before him.

When Charles Philip Arthur George ascends to the British throne, it is still an open question as to the name under which he will reign. King Arthur is once again a possibility. But so is George VII. But it might be unlikely that he will choose Charles III. The problem with the name Charles is that the reign of Charles I ended with his execution, and Charles II ruled in a very politically divisive time. And the next King might not want to connect himself with either of the two Charles’s who went before him. Just as an interesting note, Charles II died without a legitimate heir. He was succeeded by his brother, James II of England. Charles II had several illegitimate children. And within the next couple of decades, the first of the direct descendants of Charles II is about to assume his place on the British Throne. The name of this direct descendant of Charles II is William Arthur Philip Louis, the oldest son of Prince Charles, through his mother, Lady Diana Spencer.

The Psalmist says that God’s throne was established long ago, far earlier than any of the earthly thrones. And because he is good, we don’t have to worry about the negative connections that often exist through long historical reigns. Earthly kings can try to focus us on the good kings who have gone before, or away from the more negative historical moments of their ancestors, and often do it with the name that they choose.

But God is, well, God. He is the great “I Am.” The God who exists. He always has, and always will, something that no earthly king can assert. And because of that, we can place our faith in him.  

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Psalm 94