The head and members share the same nature, unlike Nebuchadnezzar's dream with its strange image. That statue had a head of fine gold, but its belly and thighs were brass, its legs iron, and its feet a mix of iron and clay. Christ's body isn't a mix of opposites. The members were mortal, so Jesus died. The glorified head is immortal, so the body is immortal too, as it says, "Because I live, you shall live also." Like our loving Head, so is the body, and every single member: chosen and accepted, living and alive.

If the head is pure gold, so is every part of the body. This union of nature forms a solid ground for our deepest communion. Pause here, dear reader, and consider the amazing grace of the Son of God, who lifts you out of wretchedness to join in His glory. You're so lowly that in your mortality you may call corruption your parent and worms your kin.

Yet in Christ, you're so honored that you can call the Almighty "Abba, Father," and Jesus "my brother and my husband." If noble lineage makes some feel proud, we have every reason to glory above them all. Let every believer, no matter how poor or despised, grasp this privilege. Don't let laziness keep you from tracing your spiritual heritage, and don't let worldly vanities distract from this glorious honor of union with Christ.