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 13 of  14

A CLEAR CRY!

      Before Jesus came into the world, the cry of godly hearts was indefinite, and often vague and characterized by a lack of understanding. 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 there position 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).  

    "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).

    "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).

      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).

      Mohammedans have a god that is an omnipotent autocrat. The Jews refer to God as "The Eternal." But we in Christ call Him "Father." That is a unique privilege afforded to none but those who are in the Son. This marvelous status 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.

      The term "Father" occurs fifteen times from Genesis to Revelation (Deut 32:6; 2 Sam 7:14; 1 Chron 17:13; 22:10; 28:6; 29:10; Psa 89:26; Isa 9:6; 63;16; 64:8; Jer 3:19; 31:9; Mal 1:6; 2:10). Several of those references are promises, foretelling "the day of salvation."  Some of them are rebukes for not realizing Israel owed its origin to God. A few are a recognition that God was the Creator.  None of them were cries like "Abba, Father." That expression is only for those who are "the sons of God."

      Confirming this is truly the result of the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, the word "Father" occurs two hundred and sixty times from Matthew through Revelation. Before Christ, the word was rarely used. after Him, it is the norm for the people of God.
      
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the privilege of calling You "Father." I praise Your name for the honor of crying out "Abba Father." I extol You for working in such a way as to make this expression righteous, honorable, and preferred among Your children.

-- Tomorrow: CONCLUSION --
Wednesday, New series: THE TABLE OF THE LORD