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Thus, 'Abdu'l-Baha may be suggesting that 'ruler over all his goods' (v. 47) is equivalent in meaning to attaining the 'crown of glory'. The reward is embodied in the spiritual life bestowed by the Lord of Hosts, who is the Chief Shepherd and Son of Man. Both promises express spiritual sovereignty, one with the word 'ruler' (v. 47) and the other with the word 'crown' (1 Peter 5:4). This rulership expresses the power of faith and the glory of spiritual victory which belong to those who recognize Baha'u'llah. In a letter to an individual, 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote: (152:2) Praise thou God that in this age, the age of the dispensation of Baha'u'llah, thou hast been awakened, hast been made aware of the Manifestation of the Lord of Hosts. All the people of the world are buried in the graves of nature, or are slumbering, heedless and unaware. Just as Christ saith: 'I may come when you are not aware. The coming of the Son of Man is like the coming of a thief into a house, the owner of which is utterly unaware.' (Selections from the Writings of 'Abdu'l-Baha 198-9) (152:3) It has been suggested that the main message of these verses (v. 42-50) is that the believer who wishes to be ready for Christ's return must remain faithful to His teachings.
(152:4)
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