Royal Title

Traveling around the Ring of Kerry, each site was more spectacular than the last.
Botanists come here to do their research since holly grows here as undergrowth.
Rhododendron has taken over and for six weeks the lavender color borders the roadway.
Such incredible beauty, words cannot begin to describe.

I was intrigued with a bit of history surrounding the Herbert family and Muckross House.

It is said that Henry Arthur Herbert desired a formal royal title.
In those days, a royal title would ensure the financial security that Herbert desired.
He went to elaborate plans to secure such a title.
It happened in 1861, with the visit of Queen Victoria.

The Queen visited Ireland on two previous occasions in 1849 and 1853.
This was the first time that Kerry was included in her itinerary.
Her husband, Albert, the Prince of Wales, accompanied the Queen.
Her son, Prince Alfred, and daughters, Princess Alice and Princess Helena were there.

Even though her visit to Killarney House was a state affair, her visit to Muckross was not.
The Kerry Evening Post reported that the Queen intended her visit to be “very quiet.”
Henry Arthur Herbert had invited her to visit two years before.
For those two years, from invitation to actual visit, elaborate preparations were made.

Two years of elaborate renovations to his house.
Tapestries, mirrors, Persian carpets, silverware, musical instruments were bought.
Linen, china, and servants’ uniforms were specially commissioned for the occasion.
He even built a guest cottage for the Queen to have quiet time by the lake.

The Herbert Family of Muckross did enjoy a high social standing.
However, the royal visit was a tremendous expense to the Herbert family.
Henry Arthur Herbert was not worried.
He knew that he would get his money back when he finally had his title.

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert received the Queen on the lawn of Muckross House.
The Times reported on August 30, 1861 that the Queeen was greeted enthusiastically.
The cottage built especially for her for quiet time by the lake was never visited.
Her stay at Muckross House was only two days.

As the Queen departed, gifts of jewelry were given to Mrs. Herbert and her two daughters.
Mary Herbert, an artist, gave three of her watercolor paintings to the Queen.
Those paintings are to this day, part of the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle.
Gifts were given by the Herbert family with the expectation of a title to be received.

Henry Arthur Herbert was not concerned about the cost of the Queen’s visit.
Once the Queen went back to England, Herbert knew he would be given his title.
He waited and waited with nothing left to do but wait.
However in December 1861, Prince Albert died of typhoid; the Queen went into mourning.

Henry Arthur Herbert’s title never came.
The Herbert family experienced an unstable financial position in the late 19th century.
All of which may have stemmed from the elaborate cost of preparations for the royal visit.
Henry Arthur Herbert was so sure that his title would be granted.

What is it about counting chickens before they are hatched?
What is it about wanting notoriety?
What is it about needing to be known?
What is it about being so sure about the things of this world?

We have a title if we are in Christ.
It cost us nothing.
It cost Jesus everything.
We are royalty; sons and daughters of the King.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)

We do not have to secure our title with money and elaborate renovations.
We do not have to go to great lengths to secure a position in the Kingdom.
We do not have to wait until the circumstances are just right to be notified.
Our title does not depend on the whim of one.

Our title depends on the love and mercy of ONE!

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords gives us this title when we believe.
We do nothing to secure it.
It has already been done.
Jesus paid it all.

We have amassed an exorbitant debt because of our sin.
A debt that can never be paid on our own.
A debt that has been stamped PAID IN FULL when we come to faith in Christ.
Free and clear because of what Jesus accomplished through His death and resurrection.

A royal title given by the King Himself.

The Times reported that the Queen was greeted enthusiastically.
Can you imagine the greeting our Lord Jesus will get when He returns?

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He Himself. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God.  The armies of heaven were following Him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen white and clean. Out of His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh He has the name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16)

We are royalty, with a title, all because of Him.
Maranatha! (1 Corinthians 16:22)
Come Lord Jesus!