Feb 11 – Abba, Father!

“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)

How blessed we are—earthly people that we are—to pray to the all-powerful God who created heaven and earth, calling Him, “Abba, Father!”

Even the seraphim cover their faces in reverent fear, cover their feet with two wings, and worship Him as they fly. Yet we are invited to draw near boldly to the throne of grace and speak to Him with the privilege of being His children. What a glorious blessing!

When Jesus Christ was separated from His disciples and seated at the right hand of the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to remove the pain of that separation. Through the Holy Spirit, we have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we can call God, “Abba, Father.”

Now our prayers no longer need angels to carry them to heaven by way of Jacob’s ladder. The very moment we pray here on earth, our petitions are carried directly into heaven by the help of the Holy Spirit. Even before we call, He hears. To every one of our prayers, He responds with “Yes” and “Amen.”

In our times, the mobile phone is extremely useful. A father may call out, “My son,” from many miles away, and instantly the child’s voice responds from the other end, “Yes, Dad?”

Is not prayer even more wonderful than a mobile phone? Prayer connects us directly with heaven. We may not know what we ought to pray for as we should, yet our prayers unite us with Christ, who intercedes for us at the right hand of God with groanings which cannot be uttered.

The Lord has promised: “The poor and needy seek water, but there is none, their tongues fail for thirst. I, the Lord, will hear them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 41:17)

Scripture also declares: “Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night.” (Psalm 121:4–6)

Children of God, you may call upon the Lord at any time—day or night. He who keeps Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.

Verse for further meditation: “They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth children for trouble; for they shall be the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. It shall come to pass that before they call, I will answer; and while they are still speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:23–24)