Do you know our Lord God as your Abba Father? What kind of relationship do you have with God as your heavenly Father, who is our Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the One who made us and is always present, always constant, loving, forgiving and gracious? He is the One who sent His only begotten Son to die in our stead and take all our sins upon Himself so that we can become adopted into His family and Kingdom.
The concept of ”Abba Father” is found in three separate New Testament verses, which prove that a relationship with God is based on intimacy, trust, and adoption, rather than on fear or bondage. These verses confirm God’s trustworthiness as a caring and loving father, who knows all about us and watches over us lovingly.
In Mark 14:36 where Jesus was wrestling, in the Garden of Gethsemane, with the upcoming pain and agony the Cross would mean for Him, He cried out to Father God – ”Abba, Father,” everything is possible for You. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
Jesus used this intimate term, which can be translated as ”Daddy” or ”Papa,” to call out to God in a moment of extreme anguish, sorrow and vulnerability. His prayer reveals complete trust in God’s power, plan and purposes, even when asking for a different outcome, but ultimately surrendering to God’s reliable and honourable will, because Abba Father always know best what is best for us.
Romans 8:15 confirms – ”For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, ’Abba, Father.’” This verse highlights that through the Holy Spirit, we are adopted into God’s family and freed from a spirit of fear. Being able to call God ”Abba, Father” expresses a secure, loving, and trusting parent-child relationship with our Creator and loving Father who promises to never leave nor forsake us. Psalm 27:10 says – ”Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” In Abba Father’s protection we can be secure, sheltered and safe.
Galatians 4:6 proves our inheritance in Abba Father’s family as it states – ”Because you are his sons, (and daughters) God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ’Abba, Father.’” These verses confirm the theme of son/daughter-ship and inheritance. The Spirit assures us that we are God’s children and we can come to Him with confidence and trust, much like a child will approach a loving, gentle and faithful parent.
Thank You Lord God, that we may call You exactly what and who You are – Abba Father, our ever loving and most precious Father. Thank You that You are not distant or harsh, but a very close, available, dependable, approachable, and deeply trustworthy Father who cares for, loves, sustains, and welcomes us as Your children. We love and appreciate You more than words can express.
Myrtle Turunen