I share the grief of the Thai people as they morn the death of their beloved king, Bhumibol Adulyadej, the worlds longest reigning monarch. King Bhumibol died October 13, 2016 at the age of 88. His reign began suddenly when he was 18 years old, after his brother, the previous king, Ananda Mahidol, was tragically killed in 1946 at the age of 20.
The news reports state: “This king, (Bhumibol Adulyadej) was a solitary constant, a beacon of hope for the Thai’s rich and poor, young and old, rural farmers and urban residents. His majesties selflessness, generosity and compassion will always be remembered.” It seemed the Thai people worshipped him as a god. At his death the people broke down sobbing and weeping in enormous grief.
When I arrived at the Bangkok airport from America, November 7, 2016 a heavy atmosphere of grief and sorrow greeted me. It was a different country than the one I had left 2 months earlier. Here are the sights I saw as I took a taxi ride through Bangkok. We will all wear black for the next year. Buildings, billboards and black streamers keep this king ever before the beholder.
I want to remind the weeping people here in Thailand that there is a God in heaven.
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed…and it shall stand forever!” Daniel 2:44
Because He is the: “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” Revelation 16:19
So let us: “Worship Him that made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of waters!” Revelation 14:7 For He is our beacon of hope for all people, rich and poor, young and old, rural and urban residents!