In Mathew 6, Jesus gives us an example of a prayer referred to as the Lord's prayer, “Our Father who art in heaven, Holy is your name”(NIRV). This is the extent of what many of us seem to know about our heavenly Father's character. He is in heaven and He is Holy. These are excellent characteristics but I want to know more about God as Father.
I really believe that God the Father is good and loves me, but how do you approach the God of the universe? I think this is where Jesus, who called God the Father “Abba” (Hebrew for Loving Father), steps into the picture.
To understand this we have to realize that Jesus is the exact image of the Father. In John 10:30 Jesus stated, “I and the Father are one” (ESV). Jesus was the vessel in which God became human. He was fully God and fully man. Hebrews 1:3 explains it this way, “He (Jesus) is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (ESV). Not only did God. through Jesus. become human, He lived a perfect sinless life.
Through His life, Jesus has shown us the Fathers character through His love for people. Jesus came to give hope to the hopeless. He healed the sick, cast out demons and loved the unlovable. Jesus showed compassion to widows and orphans and forgave the sins of the unforgivable. Clearly, Jesus, being the exact image of the Father, displayed God's character in everything He did.
By living this life Jesus decided to become the perfect sacrifice and pay the price for our freedom. Romans 6:23 tells us, “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”(ESV). Through Jesus' death and resurrection we can truly become the Father's children, the choice is ours. God is a good and will let you make that decision.
By making the decision to become God's child, we can call Him Abba and have rights as a true child. We can have access to Abba anytime. We can come boldly to the throne of our Father Abba!! The writer of Hebrews 4:16 states, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (ESV). I don't know about you but this has to be the Best News Ever!! As Jesus is God's son, we are also children with privileges. We are greatly loved!
So in reality, Abba's character is displayed clearly through the life of Jesus Christ. It can also be shown through His children as we strive to become more like Jesus. As Abba's children. we can love the way Jesus loved, we only need to ask our Abba to help us love others the way He Loves us.
Abba's character is in every situation where love is being shown. So as I see it, my Abba is Love!! 1 John 4:8 explains this clearly, “Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love” (ESV).
Please enjoy this music video by Chris Tomlin
Have a Blessed Week
Your Sister in Christ,
Jacque Barnes
