Abba

“But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it." And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.”

Mark 10:14-16  


In the Bible in Romans 8:15 the apostle Paul reveals to us one of the most intimate pictures of the relationship every child of God can enjoy with our Heavenly Father when he writes, “For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." The word “Abba” in the Greek language means “daddy”, a more intimate word for “father”. That word “Abba” implies tenderness and intimacy, and not just with anyone but with our Father in heaven.  

I don’t know what kind of relationship you had with your earthly father but I hope its like the one we read about in Hebrews 12 where the writer contrasts our relationship with our earthly father to that with our Heavenly Father. In Hebrews 12:9-10 we read, “Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness.” It’s as if the writer of Hebrews is saying our earthly dads did the best they knew how to do with what they had but our Heavenly Father knows perfectly how to love us and care for us, to shape us and mold us into the best version of us we can possibly be.

I am very aware of how fortunate I have been throughout my life. I had a good dad that I knew loved me. My dad was a disciplinary, he was strong, but he was also tender at times when I needed it most. Reading Hebrews 12, I recalled a time when my dad took me to a Los Angeles Laker basketball game to watch the legendary Jerry West play. Both my dad and I admired number 44 for the Lakers and watching the game together I don’t know who was excited more. I do know that it was a very special moment shared between father and son. Yet, what I remember and cherish most about that day with my dad wasn’t the game itself but rather, the drive home late that night after the game was over.

Being only 10 years old at the time I was worn out from the excitement of the day and maybe all the sugar my dad allowed me to enjoy at the game. Sitting in the front seat of our family station wagon next to my dad he could see that I was growing tired and he invited me to lay down on the front seat of the car and if I wanted, to lay my head in his lap as a pillow for my head. As I lay there in my dads lap looking up at him he gently ran his fingers through my hair and talked to me until I fell asleep. I can still recall vividly laying there and feeling so safe and comfortable in my fathers lap.

Years later, as I was reading my bible after giving my heart to Jesus, the Lord used that memory with my dad to teach me more in depth about the passage above in Romans 8 and in Hebrews 12 about the love of our Heavenly Father. All I could do then and now is thank God for the gift of my earthly Dad who by his love and devotion to me as a young boy served to help me connect with and better understand the heart of my Heavenly Father. I am and will always be eternally grateful for my dad.

Maybe you have never known or enjoyed the love of an earthly father growing up. I’m so sorry if thats the case. But, even so, know this, just because you didn’t, doesn’t mean you don’t have the opportunity to know an even greater love today. Yes, friend, we have a Father in Heaven, God Himself who loves you and so much so that He gave His Only Begotten Son so that you and I could become part of His family with all the rights and privileges of sonship. If you will except God’s invitation and become part of His family you will over time as you get to know Him as you spend time together in prayer and the reading of His Word will grow to know the tender love of our Heavenly Father.

Take our Lord’s words in Matthew 11:28-30 to heart today as it was Jesus who came to reveal the Father’s love to us. Hear the Father’s heart for you as you listen to Jesus words, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light." Not only is God gentle and lowly in heart, He offers us to come to Him to find rest for our souls. I always picture my dad inviting me that night to rest in His lap each time I read this passage. Don’t miss out, friend, the invitation is yours and mine to come and experience the Father’s love today, to crawl up into His lap as it were and cry out, Daddy!


“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16


I LOVE YOU!