“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”
Matthew 7:11
Jesus continually speaks lovingly of His Father because of the intimate relationship they had (see John 10:30). Using the word Abba (today we might say “daddy”), Jesus brought God closer to the people than they’d ever imagined. Most were acutely aware of the gap between their holy God and their sinfulness. Yet Jesus used this name to present a picture of God as a tender and compassionate father who is ready to forgive, who is always nearby.
This name of God speaks to me because my earthly father was loving and supportive. He protected, provided, and encouraged me. How much more so does my Heavenly Father do these things! The more I know Abba, the more I love and trust Him.
But you may not have had a loving earthly father. Perhaps you had no father at all. When Jesus spoke of His Abba, He is saying that all of us have a Father in heaven who loves us and is pleased with us. Through faith in God, you are His precious child. He is the One who, like the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15, runs with open arms to us as we approach Him.
This name of God speaks to me because my earthly father was loving and supportive. He protected, provided, and encouraged me. How much more so does my Heavenly Father do these things! The more I know Abba, the more I love and trust Him.
But you may not have had a loving earthly father. Perhaps you had no father at all. When Jesus spoke of His Abba, He is saying that all of us have a Father in heaven who loves us and is pleased with us. Through faith in God, you are His precious child. He is the One who, like the father of the prodigal son in Luke 15, runs with open arms to us as we approach Him.
Scripture Focus
Psalm 103:13-14
Insight
FAVORITE NAME FOR GOD by Anchor writer Kathy Matthews. Her fourth Anchor comes out soon. She manages to write between enjoying time with her husband, five grown boys, and two grandchildren, as well as joyful interaction with their adult daughter with Down Syndrome.
Bible In A Year
- Numbers 19-20
- Psalm 71
- John 12