ABBA 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  14

THE SPIRIT CRIES OUT

      Notice that "Abba Father" is said to be the expression the Spirit Himself. "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father" (Galatians 4:6). The NIV reads, "the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.''' The idea is that from the very moment the Spirit entered out hearts, He began crying "Abba, Father!" The Spirit does not cry out for Himself, for it is He that has been born again -- born into the family of God. It is we who have been inducted into the Divine family, and He is announcing it to us, and shouting it to heaven as well. If the "joy shall be in heaven
over one sinner that sinner that repenteth (Lk 15:7), what must be the response of heaven when the Holy Spirit takes up residence in a person, and cries out "Abba, Father"! He cries out because this is a legitimate son. He cries out because God has begotten this person. he cries out because He feels at home in a clean and regenerated heart!

      Among other things, this reveals the identity of the Holy Spirit with the human spirit. Surely the Holy Spirit does not call out "Abba, Father" for Himself. He is an "Eternal Spirit" (Heb. 9:14), and had no genesis. He cry is in our behalf! It is His witness to us, that we are the children of God.

      No person should balk at this truth. If evil spirits could cry out in people (Mark 1:26; 9:26), why is it not possible for the Holy Spirit to do so. If those in captivity to the wicked one, dominated by evil spirits, can cry aloud, why not those that have been liberated, and are "controlled by the Spirit" (Rom 8:6, NIV). This is an aspect of speaking as the Spirit gives utterance that could certainly receive more emphasis.

      The closeness of the Spirit to the regenerated ones is revealed in their accord with His cry. Romans 8:15 states that we are the ones crying "Abba, 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" (Romans 8:15).  The Spirit is the Agent, but we are the organ. The intensity of feeling is due to the Spirit, and our wills and accord enter into the matter. I marvel at the greatness of this reality. Surely it is in order for the saints of the Most High God to glory in this unparalleled benefit!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You in Jesus name for the privilege of calling You Father -- for the singular honor of calling out in concert with Your Holy Spirit, "Abba, Father!"

-- Tomorrow: THE SPIRIT OF SONSHIP --