"The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by Him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory." Romans 8:15-17
“Daddy, hold me,” Katlyn said as reached upward during a child dedication ceremony on Mother’s Day. Katlyn was just learning words and short phrases. She was a dearly loved foster child at this time within my second-cousin’s family. As a part of her family, my husband and I were invited to this special occasion.
Katlyn quickly became “Daddy’s Little Girl” touching everyone’s heart. The family was asked for prayer support regarding her adoption. And Abba Father granted our request after a lengthy time. Later an invitation was extended to celebrate Katlyn’s adoption with a community of family, friends, neighbors, and church members.
Abba is the Aramaic meaning for “Daddy” or “Papa.”
What is your imagery for this name of God?
The name Father is a relational name. The implications are staggering. Father indicates that God is personal. We can talk to Him, interact with Him, get to know Him, and relate to Him on a personal, intimate basis.
The apostle Paul writes in Galatians 4:4-5, "When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son . . . so that we might receive adoption as sons and daughters. And because you are sons and daughters, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, 'Abba Father!'”
Jesus revealed God as “Father.” He taught us to address God in the same way, to pray “Our Father.” He is not merely “like” an earthly father. God is the Father and He alone defines what true fatherhood is all about. God is the perfect Father who fathers His children perfectly. He is the Father of our desires and dreams.
How intimate is your relationship with Abba Father?
Jesus, the Son of God, came into the world so that we could meet His Father, be adopted into His family, and relate to the Almighty God in an intimate, personal, concrete way as sons and daughters. Through faith in Jesus, God becomes our Father and sent His Spirit to dwell in our hearts.
Knowing God by name, ask the Father to help you hear the Holy Spirit in your heart crying out “Abba!”