THE RELATION OF THOSE IN CHRIST TO THE FATHER

"For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father" (Rom. 8:15). "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal. 4:6).

Devotion 6 of 11 FATHER TO JEW AND GENTILE

The word "Abba" is Aramaic. It is not unusual for the Spirit to employ words like this, also providing an interpretation of the same. In Mark 5:41, "Talitha cumi" is interpreted as "Damsel, I say unto thee arise." When healing a dumb man, Jesus looked up into heaven, sighed, and said (in Aramaic), "Ephphatha," interpreted as "Be opened" (Mark 7:34). The Aramaic "Cephas" is interpreted as "a stone" in John 1:42. "Tabitha," an Aramaic word, is interpreted as "Dorcas" in Acts 9:36. The use of the Aramaic, therefore, is not unusual in Scripture. It is commonly taught that the word "Abba" means "Papa," indicating our complete reliance upon Him, like a child to its father. However, this does not appear to exhaust the meaning of the text. In my judgment, this usage is more limiting than explanatory. I believe we will find this expression more cognitive than emotional--it is one of perception more than childish intution and familiarity. The significance of this word is that of the universality of God's Fatherhood. In the case of Romans 8:15 and Galatians 4:6, it denotes the common approach of both Jew and Gentile to God. The blending of Jew and Gentile into "one new man" (Eph. 2:15) is a transaction grossly understated by the contemporary church. It is contrary to nature to have Jew AND Gentile crying "Abba, Father" to the same God -- yet, this is precisely what occurs in Christ Jesus. So marvelous is this accomplishment that its role in God's "eternal purpose" was hidden from the human race for over four millennia. As it is written, "Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel" (Ephesians 3:4-6). The words "Abba, Father" are an expression that articulate the uniting of all humanity in Christ Jesus. With one accord the redeemed confidently call on the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. They approach Him in assurance, expecing to receive the good things He has promised in the Son. What a great thing has been accomplished in Jesus! PRAYER POINT: Father, thank You for being my Father--for delivering, hearing, and sustaining me. I praise you for being attentive to my cry, as a father is attentive to the cry of his own own beloved child.

-- TOMORROW: JESUS CRIES "ABBA, FATHER" --