“Abba Father”
Father? It’s a word we’ve all heard at some point in our lives! We’ve probably even invested in a tie or two for the Fathers in our life! If we’ve been in Church we have often heard of Abba Father…through multiple Easter Passion Plays, movies and Bible Studies! So what does it mean? And how often is it mentioned in the Bible?
Romans 8:15 Mark 14:36 Galatians 4:6 Psalm 68:5-6
When we look through Scripture we see many different names for God! But one of the most significant is Father. Father is used over 200 times in the Gospel by Jesus…yet the term “Abba” only shows up 3 times. Abba is Aramaic for Father (in Jesus’ time would be Daddy…they would say ima for Mother). We often get stuck in this in that we try to love God enough to bless us…but instead it’s the other way around…He so loves us that He made a way for us to be family!
Ever been in a very busy place with thousands of people (maybe a Sporting Event or a Graduation) and heard a child cry “Daddy”? It’s crazy how the child stands still and it seems out of no where the Father comes in grabs the child and seems to hug the very fear of abandonment out of them. The same can be said of our Father in Heaven…He so loves us that He will do anything to get to us to show us we are not alone! And when we have a relationship with Him through Jesus we have the opportunity to feel His very presence eliminate the fear of abandonment.
Maybe your earthly father experience isn’t that great. Maybe he abandoned you, hurt you or even abused you. That’s not what our Heavenly Father is like. He hears us cry Father and comes running our way! So many times in our life we think we need a new something, but the real thing we need is a relationship with a Father who will do anything to get to us! To the world you are hohum average but to God you are anything but! He so loved us that He gave His Son…His only Son to have a relationship with each of us! His Son, Jesus, died for people who won’t even acknowledge that He is real…that’s how much He loves us! Our relationships on earth are established on an understanding that if you hold up your end of the relationship I will hold up mine…oh but not Abba Father! His love is so great it could never be reciprocated and yet when we call Father or Daddy He is still there no matter what!
Maybe today you are in the midst of a crazy struggle! Maybe even with your earthly father…let me ask this…Have you ever heard of God frowning at Jesus? No…it’s His Son in whom He is well pleased! And when you have accepted Christ as your Savior…when the Father looks down He only sees the Son! And can’t help but Smile!
Take Away:
In what ways have you projected the image of your earthly father onto your Everlasting Father?
What can you do to remind yourself God is a Good Father?
Interested in More About Our Thursday Greenhouse Gathering: CLICK HERE
Find Out How You Play a Part to #JoinSpartanburg: CLICK HERE
Tyler West 