ABBA FATHER -- Tomorrow:
"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).
At the outset, let it be clear that we are not speaking of a liturgical or procedural expression. This is something that comes from our hearts, and is uttered with spiritual understanding.
If you are alert, you will notice that God is not consistently addressed as "Father" in many public prayers. This observation is not intended to be condemnatory. Rather, it points out an inherent weakness in contemporary religion. There appears to be an overriding sense of unfamiliarity with God that has pervaded the Christian community. When speaking to and about the Living God, familiar and intimate terms are not common. However, this condition can, by the grace of God, be corrected.
Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father who art in heaven" (Matt 6:9). He did not teach us to pray to Himself. In fact, He told his disciples, "And in that day ye shall ask Me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you" (John 16:23). Neither, indeed, did He did not teach us to pray to the Holy Spirit. It is not that it is a sin to pray to Jesus or the Holy Spirit. In his dying words, Stephen did say, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit" (Acts 7:59). However, the norm in prayer is to address the Father, for Jesus is bringing us to God (1 Pet 3:18). That a primary objective of His great salvation.
We will be dealing with two fundamental expressions of "Abba, Father." Both texts are spoken to and of believers. Both associate the words with the ministry of the Holy Spirit. Both emphasize the relation of the words to being the sons, or children, of God.
"And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Gal 4:6). Here, it is the Spirit Himself that cries out "Abba Father." The NIV reflects this perspective, "the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" Although the words may well erupt from our mouth, it is the Spirit who is actually speaking them. Jesus once told His disciples of a time when they would be required to stand before magistrates and speak. Of that occasion He declared, "But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you" (Matt 10:19-20). If the Holy Spirit affects our speech toward men, how much more will He do so toward God!
Again, it is written, "For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 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. 8:13-15). In this text, we are the ones who speak out "Abba Father." Although the words are provoked, and even uttered by, the Holy Spirit, yet they are our own. Salvation has brought us into sweet accord with the Holy Spirit of God!
PRAYER POINT: Father, how blessed it is to be in accord with Your Spirit! I know this has taken place through Your grace. I also acknowledge in the name of Jesus, that it brings satisfaction and joy to my heart to be the recipient of such a marvelous benefit.