Abba Father
“And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, ‘Abba, Father!” Galatians 4:6
Happy Father’s Day. God blessed me with a wonderful earthly father, but he has been with the Lord for over 25 years. He blessed me some “adopted” Dads since then – Pastor Bill Raws, Pastor George Van Sandt and Neil Fichthorn. I have been so blessed to have these giants in my life.
But there is no father like THE Father – the One you and I call, Abba Father. Dr. Henry Blackaby in Experiencing God – The Devotional (Broadman) writes:
The word conjures up different images for everyone. To some it brings the picture of love, laughter, respect, and acceptance. Unfortunately, others associate the term FATHER with fear, rejection and disappointment. That is why it is so important not to take your understanding of your heavenly Father from your experience.
Take it from Scripture. You undoubtedly had an imperfect earthly father, perhaps even one who brought you harm. But, as in all of your Christian life, the key is to understand your experience in light of the Bible. God is our model father in the truest sense of the word.
Our heavenly Father was willing to pay ANY price in order to save you (Romans 8:32). Your heavenly Father is ALWAYS ready to meet your needs (Luke 11:11-13). Your heavenly Father loves you so much that He is willing to discipline you to bring you to Christian maturity (Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:5-10).
Even when you rebel against Him and reject His love, your Father continues to do what is best for you (Romans 5:8). He does not make His love for you conditional upon your love for Him (1 John 4:19). He has made you His heirs and reserves a home for you in heaven (Romans 8:15-17).
This is what a father is like biblically. If this has not been your experience, it can be now. There is One who has adopted you and wants to love you in a way you have never experienced. Take comfort and find strength from HIM – YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER!
Wow! As you reflect this morning on what Abba Father has done for YOU – take some time to thank Him and tell Him you love Him. Then take the initiative to let your earthly Poppa know you love him! – Bill Welte is President and CEO of America’s Keswick
Compass Pointers: Our dads are our first heroes, and decades later, our last. John Thorn
Anchored to the Rock: Time spent in prayer is NEVER wasted. Fenelon
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