+DEV+ Abba, an Intimate Name for God

Date: January 29, 2012 11:12 PM
Topic: +DEV+ Abba, an Intimate Name for God

Abba, an Intimate Name for God

"'Abba, Father' he said, 'everything is possible
for you.'" (MARK 14:36) "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" (GALATIANS 4:6)
Scripture Focus: Galatians 4:4-7

We have two children, one son-in-law, one granddaughter. In some families I would be called Father, Grandfather, or even Sir. But everyone in our family lovingly calls me Dad. They know how much I cares for them. When any of them needs me, they know they can depend on Dad. He is always available to help.

In the Bible, Abba is the informal name for Father. It means the same as Papa. This was the name Jesus used in His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane several hours before He was crucified.

Today's reading reveals the intimate relationship we have with our heavenly Father. We do not have to plead to an aloof, uncaring God. He is never too busy or too preoccupied with "running the world" to notice us and hear us when we pray. Believers have the extraordinary privilege of a close personal relationship with the Mighty God of the universe. He welcomes our requests. We can always depend on our Abba, our Papa.

Insight: As believers we are privileged to have the same personal relationship with our Heavenly Father, our Abba, as Jesus does.