Morning, May 14
Charles Spurgeon · Morning and Evening: Daily Readings
Romans 8:17
"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.