Unlimited: Abba, Father!
Jan 10, 2023 438
And by him we cry, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15c).
This verse attests to the nature of utmost intimacy that we are to have in our relationship with our Heavenly Father.
Paul here uses the Aramaic word which is best translated by the English word “daddy.” It is the term by which the smallest child may address their father, expressing the greatest affection and trust. It is a name that, instead of distancing God from us, brings him exceptionally close. There is nothing that can come between Abba and his children.
This is not how God is generally addressed by worshippers. While we may use the name “Father,” we typically use reverent terms that distance God from us, such as “Lord God Almighty” and so on. That’s what the Jewish people did in Jesus’ time as well.
There is nothing that can come between Abba and his children.
Paul doubtlessly took this almost shocking way to address God from the example of Jesus himself, who, in the Garden of Gethsemane prayed:
“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).
Jesus approached his heavenly Father in absolute trust, and because of Jesus, you can too. God doesn’t mind when you call him the “Lord God Almighty,” but he loves it when you call him “Daddy.”
Spiritual Application
Think of how you typically address God. Does this reflect distance or closeness? What does this say about your relationship with him?
Real Maluwa
Jan 16, 2023
Am blessed