FATHER, what does this name conjure up for you? This should be a term of endearment, but instead in our society it has become a term of derision. Many young people today, have no idea who their father is, let alone understand what it means for God to be our heavenly Father. Yet that is the term that Jesus told the disciples to use when they pray in Matthew 6. It stands to reason that if we want to know what God is like we should listen to what Jesus said about Him. More than any other concept of God, Jesus knew Him as His Father. God is the very essence of that term. I think it is important that we take a few moments and remind ourselves anew of the blessing of being called a child of God. Since according to Romans 8:14-17 we are adopted into the Family of God, we have the privilege of referring to God as our Abba, which is a personal term reflecting trust, dependence, intimacy, and love. Once we were sinners living in fear; now we are children in the care of our heavenly Father, and as a Promise we are reminded in Hebrews 2:11-12 that the Holy Spirit’s role is to give us a deep sense of intimacy with the Father. God is a Father who loves all repentant sinners deeply; He embraces us, rejoices over us, and gives us His best. The point is this: God’s love for us is no less than His love for His Son! Keep that in mind throughout today
