Alphabet of Love - A is for Abba

For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!”   Romans 8:14,15

The Almighty God, the Creator of the universe, the Alpha and the Omega is also our Abba, Daddy.  I admit that even though I have embraced this truth more than a quarter of a century ago, I still marvel at its amazing mystery.

We are not adopted into God family based on our genetic makeup, nationality or religion. Neither have we earned it by our excellent behavior, superior intelligence and flawless track-record of rule-keeping.  Nor do we attain it by the strength of our willpower and unwavering determination. The unfathomable privilege is ours solely on the basis of the death and the resurrection of God’s own Son who secured our adoption papers.  We enter into this life of amazing privilege by receiving the gift through faith.  I have 24-7 unlimited access to the Universe’s Oval Office because it is my Dad and my Brother who sit there?!!! I still scratch my head over this.

My earthly dad, my tata is one of the kindest, most patient man I know.  All my life I knew nothing but his day-in, day-out unconditional, sacrificial love for me, my sister and our family.  Even though my dad isn’t perfect, our relationship has made it easy for me to transfer that fearless trust, that adoring child-like confidence to my relationship with God as my heavenly Father.  My heavenly Tata.  

 I am fully aware that most people don’t share such positive experience with their earthly dads.  Some dads are impossible to please in their perfectionistic demands.  Some escape the responsibilities and stresses of life through alcohol, substance abuse, pornography or adultery.  Others avoid tumultuous family relationships by being absent either physically or emotionally, or both, immersing themselves in work, virtual reality or an all-consuming hobby.  Some dads, out of their own brokenness, sense of impotence, bondage and guilt  become violent and abusive - emotionally, physically, verbally and even sexually.  The damage that is done is truly incalculable.   

Our relationship with our earthly dads will color our perception of our heavenly Dad. Adoring trust. Avoidance. Absence. Abuse.  Some of us may need healing for the deep, deep wounds we experienced along the way.  All of us need daily renewal of our minds and hearts as God’s Spirit reveals though His Word the truth of His love and our adoption, until we confidently cry out, Abba! Daddy! Tata!

Lord Jesus, thank you for making it possible for us to call God our Abba, Daddy.  Open the eyes of our hearts to this mystery and transform us from the inside-out by its marvel.  Heal the wounds of those who have been brokenhearted through their father's (and mother's) absence, avoidance or abuse. May our 'filial imprinting' come from You and not from this broken world. Amen. 


For Further Reflection:

What is/was your relationship with your earthly dad like? How do you see it influencing your perception of God as your heavenly Father? Are there areas of brokenness that need to be healed and restored?