Go! And Remember the True Restoration
A Reflection on 29 May

Go! And Remember the True Restoration
- A Reflection on 29 May

Today, we reflect on a date that may pass quietly for many in our nation - 29 May, historically known as Oak Apple Day, or Restoration Day. For centuries, it commemorated the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, when King Charles II returned to his throne following years of civil war and upheaval.

It was a day marked by gratitude, loyalty, and remembrance. People wore oak leaves to honour the moment King Charles hid in an oak tree, spared from capture after the Battle of Worcester. His survival and restoration were seen as providential - a sign of divine favour after a dark period in our nation's history.

But, friends, as the Church of Christ, our hearts are stirred not merely by national history but by eternal truths. The restoration of a king to a throne may warm patriotic hearts, but it pales in comparison to the restoration of the King of kings - Jesus Christ, not to an earthly throne, but to the right hand of the Father in heaven.

Let us not miss the deeper symbolism here. Just as King Charles was hidden in an oak, Jesus too was hidden - hidden in the grave, laid in the tomb after the cross. But where Charles returned to rule over a divided nation, Christ rose in power to reign over a united kingdom of believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation.

"For He must reign until He humbles all His enemies beneath His feet." – 1 Corinthians 15:25 (NLT)

A Call to the Church
So how should we, as the Church, reflect on this day?

Let Us Celebrate the True Restoration
The restoration of the monarchy may be historical, but our spiritual restoration is eternal. We were once enemies of God, but now - through Christ - we are restored to relationship with our heavenly Father.

"So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God." – Romans 5:11 (NLT)

Let Us Wear a New Symbol
People wore oak leaves to signify loyalty to the crown. Today, we wear the mark of Christ - not on our lapel but in our hearts. We are clothed in righteousness, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and our lives should visibly reflect our loyalty to the Saviour.

Let Us Be Grateful for God's Providence
Just as God preserved Charles in the oak tree, He has preserved His Church through every storm, persecution, and trial. The oak, a symbol of strength, reminds us of God's enduring faithfulness.

"The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon." – Psalm 92:12 (NLT)

Let Us Proclaim the Gospel of the Ultimate King
Earthly kings come and go. But our King Jesus reigns forever. This day is an opportunity to share the good news that true peace, true freedom, and true restoration are not found in a throne room in Westminster, but in the empty tomb and the throne of heaven.

"The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." – Isaiah 9:6, NLT

A Final Thought
Dear friends, on this 29th of May, whether we walk past oak trees or glimpse a crown on a coin, may our hearts be stirred not simply by history, but by His story - the story of a King who came, who died, who rose, and who reigns forevermore.

Let's not just commemorate a restoration of power - let's celebrate the restoration of souls.

Let's go - and live as loyal citizens of the Kingdom of God.