I have 6 grandchildren and another on the way. Each of them refers to us as grandma and grandpa, but for the ‘in-laws’ there are many names; Grandma Bear, Mimi, Oma, Nanna, Granny and the list could be as long as the variety of languages and traditions found in the extended families. Each is unique and reflects a love or a respect. One of my siblings called my grandma Madam. Another called her ‘cabbage head’ because of a joke between the two of them. Both had very different reflections on the type of relationship. All this is to introduce what is probably the most intimate name for God found in the Bible. In Galatians 4:6 we are told “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.”
Abba is the most intimate form of God’s name. It shows God not just as ‘God’ and holy, supreme and all powerful, but as ‘our loving daddy.’ It is akin to a little child looking up in love and respect without fear. Abba was a word used by children for their father similar to the use of daddy or papa today.
Wow! Imagine being invited into the very throne room of God in prayer, and how are we invited to address this holy God? As our ‘loving daddy.’ It almost seems sacrilegious until we understand that the connotation here is richly expressing our relationship with God. It isn’t childish or downplayed, but rich in love and relationship. It is Jesus who teaches us this name by His use of it.
Luke 11:1-4 “One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of the disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say:
‘Father (ABBA),
Hallowed be your name,
Your kingdom come.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.
And lead us not into temptation.’
The name ‘Abba Father’ means one who disciplines, has authority, compassion, cares, protects and provides. Yes, God is our Abba and acts like a true father. The use of the name also denotes respect for the father from the child.
I was blessed to have a father who was a good example of ‘Abba, Daddy.’ Many of you may not have had that experience. May I encourage you to see that your heavenly Father, the ABBA of the Bible, is all that He should be. Your earthly father may not be a reflection of Him, but that doesn’t change the truth that He invites you into that relationship of true son and daughter of a loving father. And as Jesus has taught us, we are always invited into prayer to talk with our Father in a loving, secure but respectful way. May you learn more about your Abba, Father as you reflect on His great love which came to fruition on Christmas morn.
Our song for today is Good Good Father by Chris Tomlin