May 14, Morning

C. H. Spurgeon · Modern retelling

"Joint heirs with Christ." — Romans 8:17 · KJV

The boundless realms of His Father's universe belong to Christ by right. As "heir of all things," He is the sole owner of the vast creation of God, and He has allowed us to claim the whole of it as ours by virtue of that deed of joint-heirship the Lord has ratified with His chosen people. The golden streets of paradise, the pearly gates, the river of life, the surpassing bliss, and the glory beyond words are all signed over to us by our blessed Lord for our everlasting possession. Everything He has He shares with His people. He has placed the royal crown on 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 so that we might have a coronation of glory; He would not sit on His own throne until He had secured a place on it for all who overcome by His blood. Crown the head, and the whole body shares the honor. See here the reward of every Christian conqueror! Christ's throne, crown, scepter, palace, treasure, robes, and inheritance are yours. Far above all jealousy, selfishness, and greed, which will not let anyone share their advantages, Christ counts His own happiness complete only when His people share 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." His Father's smiles are all the sweeter to Him because His people share them. The honors of His kingdom please Him more because His people appear with Him in glory. His victories are more valuable to Him since they have taught His people how to overcome. He delights in His throne because there is room on it for them. He rejoices in His royal robes since their folds spread over His people. He delights in His joy the more because He calls them to enter into it.