In the pages of the Old Testament, the fatherhood of God is first introduced, however, it is done so in a more collective sense than what we are used to under the New Covenant. There, He is seen as the Father of the nation of Israel (Exodus 4.22-23), the disciplinarian (Deuteronomy 8.5), and provider and sustainer, as He provides for Israel’s needs while delivering them from their bondage in Egypt and sustaining through their wanderings in the wilderness.
On the other hand, in the pages of the New Testament, as was written, it is shown that God’s Fatherhood is deeply personal through Jesus Christ. In contrast to the Old Testament, God is also revealed by Jesus to be “Abba,” which is a term of endearment, intimacy and trust. In fact through Christ, Christians are invited to call God “Abba Father” (Romans 8.15; Galatians 4.6), showing that we have been adopted into His family, and that we have a close personal family. God, as our Father, gives us unconditional love. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15.11-32), Jesus portrays God as a loving and forgiving Father who rejoices over His children when they are restored.
That term, “Abba Father” is one of the most tender expressions in all of the Bible. It offers us a glimpse into the loving and intimate relationship that God desires to have with His people. It is a phrase that conveys both affection and reverences – both of which are necessary to understanding our relationship with God; personal yet awe-inspiring.
In Matthew 7.11, Jesus compares God’s love and generosity to that of earthly parents. Even flawed human fathers understand how to provide for their children’s needs. How much more, then, can we trust our perfect heavenly Father to care for us? Calling upon God in such away reminds us that we can come to Him with confidence for we know that He delights in meeting the needs of His children.
Mark 14.36 shows us the depths of Jesus’ relationship with the Father. In His hour of sorrow, facing the burden of the cross, Jesus cried out in prayer, “Abba, Father!” Jesus demonstrates how to bring our deepest struggles to God, trusting His wisdom and will despite the difficult path that is ahead of us.
In Galatians 4.6, Paul teaches of the incredible truth that we have been given adoption through Christ. When we place our faith in Jesus and obey His gospel, we are no longer alienated from God. We are no longer His enemies. The gulf that separated us has been removed by the cross of Christ. The Holy Spirit moves with in us, and it is because of this that we have enabled to cry out, “Abba, Father!” Our identity is now in Him, as sons and daughters
May the term “Abba Father” transform the way we see God and strengthen our relationship with Him. He is nether distant nor indifferent. He is a Father who invites us all into His presence with open arms. May the relationship that you have with God be a source of great comfort. Rest in the assurance of His love, guidance and unshakable commitment to our salvation. Through Christ, we can approach God as our Father, no matter the trials we face.