After Abraham's death, God blessed his son Isaac, who then lived near Beer Lahai Roi. – Genesis 25:11

Today's Scripture Reading (August 23, 2021): Genesis 25

It is not surprising that Elizabeth II is ranked as one of the greatest Monarchs in British history. She has reigned longer than any British King or Queen who ruled before her, eclipsing the length of Queen Victoria's reign of almost sixty-four years. In 2022, she will celebrate seventy years on the throne of Great Britain. She has maintained her popularity during turbulent and changing times. Through wars and conflicts, she continues to be loved and admired by her subjects and even by some who might be considered to be adversaries. Among a long list of great monarchs, Elizabeth II rises to the top.

But there is also a downside to being the best. The British Royal family has suffered its scandals during the last seventy years, even if none of the scandals had tarnished the image of the Queen. But Elizabeth II is not immortal. Like the Kings and Queens before her, she will die, and someone else will have to take her place. The problem is that no one in the line of succession appears to measure up to Elizabeth. Charles, the next likely King, is still hurt by his failed relationship with Dianna and his relationship with Camilla. And many royal subjects have no interest in calling Camilla Queen.

For a long time, William, third in line to the throne, looked like a better choice, and many hoped that Charles would abdicate and just let the crown pass straight to his son. But recent developments and a conflict between William's younger brother, Harry, and the rest of the Royal Family have raised concerns. The scandals have left Prince George of Cambridge unscathed, but that is likely because he is still just a child. So, once we lose one of the best Monarch's of British history, the future of the Royal Family is still very much in question.

There is no doubt that Abraham was a great man, but he was just a man. Abraham lived a long life, filled with years. But, as happens with all of us, the time came for Abraham to leave this earth, joining his wife, Sarah. And when he did, everything that he had built was left to his son, Isaac. And God blessed Isaac, but the truth is that Isaac could not live up to the man his father had been even with God's blessing.

Yet, God would carry on the work that had started with Abraham with Isaac. And his promise would be carried down through the generations of people, some of whom were great, some who missed the mark, but none of whom would be Abraham.  

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Genesis 26