“And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba,[a] Father!”” Galatians 4:6 (WEB)
Our key verse reminds believers of our identity in God. We are His children through the Holy Spirit’s work of drawing us to redemption. We aren’t slaves to an unknown, cold or distant god.
Lynne, a woman that I know who went to Israel many years ago, told me that it was such a jarring experience to hear little children call out to their dad on the streets. Israeli children generally call their dad “Abba.”
Lynne said she almost expected to see the Lord responding to the child’s call. For Lynne, the notion that believers can call on God like that will always be an uplifting and powerful truth.
Lynne explained that she has learned that the name, Abba is an intimate and childlike reference, much like our word, dad or daddy, but it is also a reverent call to the sacred God of creation.
Abba made such a provision for us to be His actual children. We are not slaves or servants who have to work hard to please an unknowable God.
Believers know that Abba gave us His Holy Spirit to draw us to redemption, to teach us how to grow in the faith, and to have the burning knowledge that He is always with us. All that we pin our hopes on as believers is real!
But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if any man doesn’t have the Spirit of Christ, he is not his. Romans 8:9 (WEB)
Only a loving Father would care enough to help us know that we are sealed in safety, by the Spirit. Yet that is what He does. We have the Spirit and the Word to help us when we struggle in our faith and deal with unbelief.
And think of our Savior crying out to Abba in the Garden of Gethsemane. He was in such distress that His sweat was mingled with blood. But the name, “Abba” was His comfort and peace that helped Him keep His focus on His mission.
He said, “Abba,[a] Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.” Mark 14:36 (WEB)
And think of the children who are believers that have endured abusive or cold fathers. What else could they have to replace an absent father? Abba, Father. Protector. Provider. Deliverer. Shield. Defender. Abba who loves without limits or conditions.
When my father and my mother forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up. Psalm 27:10 (WEB)
Psalm 27 is a great passage for godly men to be familiar with. Christian men need this truth so much these days. Godly men are under focused attack. They must know how to deeply engage in the loving defense of God.
Christian dads, be thankful for who you are if you belong to Him. You are a child of the Lord of all creation. He loved you so much that He gave you Jesus. He gave you Himself in the Spirit. He provided you a way to walk with Him deeply and personally.
The next thing you should do is to be sure to give this wonderful blessing to your children. You can’t make them be saved. You can’t preach them into heaven. But you can model Abba to your children. Show them integrity. Don’t take shortcuts that damage your reputation and make them embarrassed that you are their dad. Tell the truth, no matter what. Push back against cowardice. Take them to church. Let them see you sincerely pray, read God’s Word, and love others.
Love their mom. Even if your marriage is filled with tension and trouble, show your children how to respect and love others when it’s not easy. Don’t teach them to disobey her as a tool to get back at her.
If you don’t have children, there are surely other children in your world. If you are a believing man of God, then you can model Abba to them. You are still responsible to be manly and faithful in front of the children in this world.
“In all things show yourself an example of good works. In your teaching, show integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, and soundness of speech that can’t be condemned, so that he who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say…” Titus 2:7 – 8 (WEB)
“A good example…that none can have any evil thing to say.”
There is no cowardice, dishonesty or godless behavior in this dad. His love for God has grown and the blessing has been reaped by his children and grandchildren.
Even so, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 (WEB)
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
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World English Bible (WEB)
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Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 