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 11 of 11 A CLEAR CRY!

Before Jesus, the cry of godly hearts was, in a sense, indefinite. The confidence that characterizes those in Christ was not generally known in "time past." Listen to some of the expressions of saints in former times. These were godly individuals with great faith. But they did not compare with our status as sons of God. "For He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come together in judgment. Neither is there any daysman betwixt us, that might lay his hand upon us both" (Job 9:33,33). Job lived before the Ten Commandments, and had no Bible. His cry was intense, but was not surrounded by the illumination given those in Christ Jesus. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance . . . Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God" (Psalms 42:5,11). David was a man after God's own heart--not because of the level of his knowledge, but because of the sensitivity of his heart. Life and immortality had not yet been brought to light when this man of God breathed out these longing expressions. "Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity: wherefore lookest thou upon them that deal treacherously, and holdest thy tongue when the wicked devoureth the man that is more righteous than he?" (Habakkuk 1:13). Though closer to the dawning of the Day Star than Job and David, this holy prophet was not able to pray within the context of justification and fellowship in the Spirit, which had not been made known, as it is now. Let it be clear that these were godly men. They had the best of their time, and availed themselves of it. Yet there is no correlation between their standing and ours in Christ Jesus. Jesus has brought more clarity to the walk of faith. Our prayers and supplications are more definite, more focused, more insightful. We look up with hope to heaven, anticipating the "glorious liberty" that is sure to come (Rom. 8:21). Heathen religions have a god that is an omnipotent autocrat. The Jews refer to God simply as "The Eternal." But we in Christ call Him "Father." That is a unique privilege afforded to none but those that are in the Son. It must not be taken for granted. The Fatherhood of God speaks of His love and gentleness. He treats us tenderly because He does not want us to be lost. When the Spirit of sonship is received, we come confidently to Him to "obtain mercy and find grace to help in the time of need" (Heb. 4:16). In this spirit we draw near instead of drawing back. We run to Him instead of fleeing from Him. How blessed is our situation.

CONCLUSION

Faith will bring the blessed awareness of sonship to your heart. Your salvation includes the possession of the Holy Spirit that cries out "Abba Father" from within you. He does it in harmony with your own "new man" (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). This does not involve a mere discipline of life, but life itself. How thankful I am for this wonderful benefit! It is certainly in order for you to joyfully give thanks to Him for making you one of His sons in Jesus Christ. May the cry of "Abba, Father" be familiar and precious to your heart. This is the heritage of the saints of the Most High! PRAYER POINT: Father, I know that holy men and prophets of old longed for the great salvation you have given me in Christ Jesus. Give me grace to walk in the full light of your countenance--in a manner that will bring glory to the Lord Jesus Christ, in Whose matchless and effective name I pray.

-- TOMORROW: A New Series, WHERE WE HAVE COME --