Abba, Father
For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”
Romans 8:15 (NKJV)
…God sent forth His Son…to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
Galatians 4:4-6 (NKJV)
We have the perfect example of the Lord Jesus calling God ‘Abba, Father’ in Mark 14:36: ‘And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” ’ This is a great expression of total submission.
Jesus knew his Father, and revealed the Father to us when he said to Philip, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? ” (John 14:9). Unlike Philip we have not seen the Lord Jesus, yet believing, we rejoice with joy inexpressible. For it is by faith we believe in God, and have an intimate relationship with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
The Lord Jesus spoke of eternal relationship with God when He prayed in John 17:3: “And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John also confirmed by writing to the brethren: ‘…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.’ (1 John 1:3-4 ).
My son sent me a birthday card with words describing a wonderful dad: ‘A dad is a wonderful person, he is kind and he is caring and strong; always watching to lend a hand to give support; if you need him, all you have to do is just call. His advice is worth its weight of gold; he never lets you down, you can always rely on him. A dad is wonderful and it’s clear to see, a dad like you is everything a wonderful Dad should be.’ I am grateful to my son, because these words reminded me of my heavenly Father, who is perfect and loves us with the same love he has for Jesus (John 17:23).
As a human dad I fall far short of a perfect dad. God, our Abba Father, deserves this accolade.
Human parents have limitations, yet they do express their care and love and show concern for their children and nurture them as they grow up. And the glorious news is that our heavenly Father chose to adopt us as his children (Ephesians1:4-5). He is pleased when we call him Abba, Father: a term of endearment. In thankfulness I call him, Abba, Father. At the same time I acknowledge that He is the Sovereign God Almighty.
Prayer
Abba, Father, I thank You for adopting us as Your children in Christ Jesus. You are worthy of worship and praise. In Jesus’ name I pray, and stand in awe. Amen.
Study by Natu Moti
About the writer:
Natu Moti is a Deacon in the Birmingham congregation
of Grace Communion International.
Local congregation:
Gracecom Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
Birmingham B23 7QB
Meeting time:
Saturday 1pm
Local congregational contact:
David Gibbs
Email: birmingham@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church