Morning, May 14
Go To Evening Reading
“Joint heirs with Christ.”
Romans 8:17
The boundless realms of his Father’s universe are Christ’s by prescriptive right. As “heir of all things,” he is the sole proprietor of the vast creation of God, and he has
admitted us to claim the whole as ours, by virtue of that deed of
joint-heirship which the Lord hath ratified with his chosen people.
The golden streets of paradise, the pearly gates, the river of life,
the transcendent bliss, and the unutterable glory, are, by our blessed
Lord, made over to us for our everlasting possession. All that he
has he shares with his people. The crown royal he has placed upon
the head of his Church, appointing her a kingdom, and calling her
sons a royal priesthood, a generation of priests and kings. He uncrowned
himself that we might have a coronation of glory; he would not sit
upon his own throne until he had procured a place upon it for all
who overcome by his blood. Crown the head and the whole body shares
the honour. Behold here the reward of every Christian conqueror! Christ’s throne, crown, sceptre, palace, treasure, robes, heritage, are yours.
Far superior to the jealousy, selfishness, and greed, which admit
of no participation of their advantages, Christ deems his happiness
completed by his people sharing it. “The glory which thou gavest me have I given them.” “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you,
and that your joy might be full.” The smiles of his Father are all the sweeter to him, because his
people share them. The honours of his kingdom are more pleasing, because
his people appear with him in glory. More valuable to him are his
conquests, since they have taught his people to overcome. He delights
in his throne, because on it there is a place for them. He rejoices
in his royal robes, since over them his skirts are spread. He delights
the more in his joy, because he calls them to enter into it.