Together - Daily DevotionalSample

ABBA FATHER

Father is perhaps the greatest revelation of God’s names. It is not simply a title or description but a relational image of deepest intimacy. Paul emphasises this relationship by using the Hebrew ABBA which is like a small child calling their father, “Daddy”. Although we recognise that our Father is ADONAI we do not fear Him but call Him Daddy and find comfort in His everlasting arms. In our modern world, the word father may refer to someone who is absent or abusive. But we have come to see “fathering” not simply as a biological term but one describing a caring, protecting, providing, mentoring and loving relationship. 

The concept of God as Father is almost unknown in the Old Testament appearing only a handful of times. In the New Testament however, God is introduced by Jesus as a loving Father who cares deeply for His children and delights to bless them with gifts (Luke 11:11-13). The Pharisees and sinners addressed their prayers to a formal God (Luke 18:10-13) but Jesus taught His disciples to pray to their Father in Heaven (Matt.6:9). 

Once someone burst through the security of the White House and flung himself on the President – it was his son!

Prayer: Father in Heaven, Daddy, I am Your child and I fling myself into Your everlasting arms