Abba Father!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James 1:17

In our text, we are reminded of the deep reality that every good and perfect gift originates from above, from the loving hand of our heavenly Father. This is a powerful revelation of the nature of God, inviting us to perceive Him not merely as a distant deity but as a tender and caring Father deeply involved in the lives of His children.

Jesus Christ, the embodiment of the Father’s love and character, came not only to redeem humanity but also to correct misconceptions about God prevalent during His time. His life served as a divine standard, refining humanity’s understanding of the Father’s heart. Among the misconceptions he sought to rectify was the distant and impersonal view of God. Jesus came to unveil God as a loving Father intimately engaged in the affairs of His beloved children. During his time with his disciples, Jesus told Philip, if you have seen me, you have seen the attributes and the character of the Father.

“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” John 14:9

In Mark 11:24–25, Jesus, in teaching His disciples about prayer, emphasised addressing God as “our Father,” symbolising a familial bond and connection. This intimate designation, “Abba Father,” encapsulates the essence of God’s role as the ultimate source, sustainer, and protector of His children. We witness Jesus Himself addressing God in prayer using this term in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mark 14:36), demonstrating the depth of His personal relationship with the Father and setting an example for believers to approach God with similar intimacy and trust.

Understanding God as our loving Father transforms our perception of Him from a distant figure to a caring and involved parent deeply committed to our well-being. It is this intimate relationship that assures us of His provision, sustenance through trials, and protection from harm.

Jesus, as the express image of the Father, used this opportunity not only to teach them about prayer but also to reveal the heart of God as a loving Father. He emphasised the significance of addressing God as “our Father,” highlighting the intimate connection between the Creator and His children.

The term “Abba Father,” originating from the Greek word “Abba,” signifies more than just a title; it reflects the profound relationship between God and His children. Abba denotes not only the source and sustainer of life but also the defender and protector of His beloved.

As we grasp the depth of God’s fatherhood, we step into unprecedented dimensions of faith and possibility. Recognising God as our Father enables us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is intimately involved in every aspect of our lives. May we embrace the truth of God’s fatherhood and experience the fullness of His love, provision, and protection as His cherished children.

Kay Alli