The boundless realms of his Father's universe belong to Christ by absolute right. As the "heir of all things," he is the sole owner of God's vast creation. And yet—marvel at this!—he has written us into the deed! By that covenant of joint-heirship, ratified with his blood, he has given his chosen people the right to claim it all as ours.

The golden streets of paradise, the pearly gates, the river of life, the transcendent bliss, the unutterable glory—our blessed Lord has signed them all over to us as our everlasting possession. All that he has, he shares with his people. All!

The crown royal? He has placed it on the head of his Church, appointing her a kingdom and calling her sons a royal priesthood, a generation of priests and kings. Think of it: he uncrowned himself 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.

Behold! Here is the reward of every Christian conqueror! Christ's throne, crown, scepter, palace, treasure, robes, heritage—are yours!

How far superior this is to the jealousy, selfishness, and greed of this world, which admit no sharing of their advantages. Christ considers his happiness incomplete until 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."

The smiles of his Father are all the sweeter to him because his people share them. The honors 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 because his skirts spread wide enough to cover us all.

He delights the more in his joy—can you grasp this?—he delights the more in his joy because he calls us to enter into it!