Like many of you, I awoke last Friday surprised at Britain’s choice, by a narrow majority, to leave the European Union (EU). ‘Brexit’ (Britain’s Exit), broke many hearts and gave rise to a Facebook flurry of heart wringing and sabre rattling at the possible prospect of Boris Johnson as prime minister and a ‘more insular UK’. Meanwhile others celebrated the anticipated release from ‘non-elected bungling Brussels’ bureaucracies’, claiming such freedom will allow us to become more connected economically and culturally to the rest of the world.

As pound sterling tumbled to its lowest value since 1985, money markets careered in crisis, and David Cameron gave notice of his resignation, it reminded me of the scene Israel’s prophet Isaiah faced, “In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple…” (Isaiah 6) With King Sterling knocked for ‘666’ and fear surging in some, the question comes loud and clear, “Who is in charge?” Of all the political leaders the Scottish First Minister is the only one who seems to have her ducks in a row, cannily citing Brexit as a possible precursor to ‘Scoxit’ & ‘EUin’ (I’m in the NSU ‘name shortening union’), Scotland leaving the UK to join (or remain in) the EU.

There are pros and cons, dangers and opportunities to leaving the EU. Time will tell as to Brexit’s prudence, but amidst spin and counter spin, claim and counter claim, political leader shuffles and searches, it is good to know that God is still God and on His throne.

“Do not call conspiracy everything this people calls a conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The Lord Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread.” (Isaiah 8:12-13) Such fear and dread gives way to the hope, light and life promised in the next chapter predicting the birth of Christ years later, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)

In the year that king Uzziah died, awe-inspired and captivated by God’s amazing, trail-blazing, holy presence, Isaiah found himself chosen to share his transforming experience and communicate God’s message to a nation, hard of heart and hearing.

“Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.”” (Psalm 46:8-10) May we take time to worship God and be ready to help others recognise who’s really Boss!