Nothing is quite as moving as a son or daughter calling out tenderly to their father. Nothing refreshes my soul more than hearing my children address me as “dad.”
In the Galatians letter, Paul wrote of the privilege of “sonship” made possible through the work of redemption. “Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Gal. 4:6).
Paul speaks of redemption here in terms of adoption. There is no contradiction between the image of new birth and adoption. Adoption is intended to emphasize God’s personal choice to make each believer His child. Isn’t it wonderful to know that our sonship is the basis for receiving the Spirit, and that the gift of the Spirit is the means through which we become conscious of our personal relationship with the Father? In other words, the Spirit grants us new life and then assures us of the reality of that life.
The cry “Abba! Father!” is the joyous refrain of the redeemed. It hearkens back to the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus taught His followers to address the omnipotent God as “our Father.” Have you experienced the personal redemption that will allow you to call God, “Father?” If so, have you talked with Him lately?
Prayer: Father, I am overwhelmed at the privilege to be Your son/daughter. I joyfully come into your presence with thanksgiving. Amen