Sovereign and Shepherd: An Unexpected Experience at the Tower of London

I recently went to London for my niece’s college graduation. I fell in love with the city—its palaces, history, and beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed going to Kensington Palace and being immersed in the home Queen Victoria grew up in. I loved strolling along the cobblestone roads while enjoying the views of Big Ben in the distance. All of this and more I expected to experience. But what I wasn’t expecting was how emotional it would be for me to visit the Crown Jewels Exhibition at the Tower of London. 

Sovereign

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities-all things have been created through Him and for Him.  - Colossians 1:16 (NASB)

As I stepped into the dark exhibition room, the colorful jewels on the ornate crowns glistened underneath the expertly placed spotlights. As my eyes fixated on the first crown in the glass case, all I could do was begin to softly sing the chorus to the song Worthy by Elevation Worship:

“Worthy is Your name, Jesus / You deserve the praise / Worthy is Your name.” ^*

Awestruck by these priceless adornments, I tried to imagine how much more our sovereign God is adorned in majesty. It’s no wonder prophets fell on their faces when visited by the glory of God. If this mere earthly representation of royalty could be so awe-inspiring, imagine the undoing that would ensue upon beholding the King of the Universe—He who created all things and establishes all authority. My eyes welled with tears as my heart deeply connected with God in that moment, and I tried to grasp the wonder of His Kingship. God—the ultimate Sovereign.

Shepherd

As I proceeded through the exhibition, I came upon the glass case of royal scepters. Each one intricately bejeweled with precious stones—symbolizing absolute power over a nation. But as I marveled at the row of glistening rods before me, the stark contrast of the shepherd’s rod and staff in Psalm 23:4 was what came to mind -

“Your rod and your staff they comfort me.”

A shepherd uses his rod to fight off predators. Thus making it a symbol of God’s strength and protection for us.^** The staff is used by the shepherd to guide his flock gently, utilizing the curved top to take hold of a wandering sheep’s neck if he puts himself in harm's way. It’s a symbol of God’s guidance and lovingkindness. In that moment, surrounded by priceless symbols of royalty, I was reminded that our sovereign King Jesus, who has all power and authority over everything, also gently leads and protects us like a loving shepherd. My heart swelled with gratitude.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.  - Psalm 23:4 (NASB)

Shepherd-King

This unexpected experience in London took my spiritual journey to a new level. As I’ve been learning how to walk closer with God and follow His lead, I am comforted and encouraged by the paradox between His sovereign nature and His shepherd’s heart. By His greatness and gentleness. By His majesty and meekness. By His holiness and humbleness. He is enthroned in majesty and glory, born a humble human who ultimately wore a crown of thorns. He is our Shepherd-King. 

Share in the comments: How might your outlook for today change by remembering that our sovereign King also knows you, leads you, and cares for you like a good shepherd?

 ^*“Worthy,” track 6 on Hallelujah Here Below, Elevation Worship Records, 2018.

  ^** “What are the rod and staff in Psalm 23?,” Got Questions.org, accessed August 23, 2025, https:/ /www.Gotquestions.org/rod-staff- Psalm-23.html.