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 14 of  14

CONCLUSION

      Faith will bring the blessed awareness of sonship to your heart. Your salvation includes the possession of the Holy Spirit who cries out "Abba Father" from within you. This is an fervent cry, no doubt employed in His faithful intercessions for you. It is an effectual cry, known and recognized by God who "knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Rom 8:26-27).

      The Spirit cries "Abba Father" in concert, or in harmony, with our own spirits -- our "new man" (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10).  He faithfully bears witness with our spirit that "we are the children of God" (Rom 8:16). Convinced of this marvelous witness, we ourselves cry out "Abba Father!" It is not our intellect that has moved us to this consideration, but our hearts. That is where the heavenly Witness has been sent. The cry is more intuitive than it is intellectual. It is not one that is thought out, as a supplication or thanksgiving would be, but one that erupts from a confident heart. it is an assured and bold cry to a God that is known.

      This does not involve a mere discipline of life, but life itself. That is, the words "Abba Father," are not like a formula that is tacked on to our prayers. While the words themselves often come from our mouths, they are more the cry of the heart than of the lips. In the words of the weeping prophet, "Their heart cried unto the Lord" (Lam 2:18). David spoke of the heart crying our as well as the flesh" my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God" (Psa 84:2). In the theme we have developed, the highest cry of the heart has been considered -- a cry that is both insightful and effective.

      How thankful I am for this wonderful benefit! It is certainly in order for you to fervently give thanks to God for making you one of His sons in Jesus Christ, giving you His Holy Spirit, to witness to your spirit of that sonship, then enabling you to cry out "Abba Father" in perfection harmony with the Holy Spirit.

    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, in the name of Jesus, I give you thanks for the privilege of being Your child, and knowing that I am!

-- Tomorrow, New Series: THE TABLE OF THE LORD --