‘Abba, Father’

My grandkids call me “Papa.” The other day one of my grandchildren said, “Uppy, Papa!” which means, “Pick me up!” How can you say no to that? It’s a term of affection. Other people can’t call me “Papa” because that term is based on my relationship with my grandchildren.

Jesus said, “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9 NKJV). The Bible tells us, “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’” (Romans 8:15 NKJV). The word Abba is more or less the Hebrew equivalent of “Papa” or “Daddy.” Don’t think of your heavenly Father as distant or disinterested. Rather, think of Him as a warm, loving Father.

Perhaps the most vivid illustration of what our heavenly Father is like is found in a story Jesus told in what is called the parable of the prodigal son. Usually, this story’s emphasis is on the son, but we could just as easily call it the parable of the loving father. It’s the story of a father who had two sons. One son went astray, wrecked his life, wasted his inheritance, came to his senses, and returned home. While he was still a great way off, his father saw him, ran to him, and threw his arms around him and kissed him. Then he restored him to full sonship.

Our Father in Heaven is like a father who misses his son or daughter. He longs for communication with us. And He will welcome you with open arms if you’ll come to Him.

We have a heavenly Father who will always be there. We have a Father who listens. We have a Father who loves. We have a Father in Heaven.