We call Him Abba Father

Esther 4:14 NIV

14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”

Daniel 1:8 NIV

8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way.

Esther 5:1–2 NIV

1 On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance. 2 When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Happy Father’s Day!

esther 5:1-2

Parenting is such an important role. More than caring but a shaping and modelling role.

Good

We call Him Abba Father.

Matthew 6:9 NIV

9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “ ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

In we read “In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

Our Father is Holy!

This is the start of the prayer that Jesus taught His disciples

The prayer starts by addressing our Father in heaven.

Prior to Jesus coming God was not revealed as a Father. We saw Him as Righteous Holy Our provider, Our healer, Our Shepherd, Our Banner, Redeemer, Etc. But he was not shown or related to as a Father.

Jesus used the term father over 200 times.

His first recorded words

Luke 2:49 NIV

49 “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

(NIV) 49“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

(NIV) 49“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

And his final words before His death

Luke 23:46 NIV

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

(NIV)

Why the change?

46Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Why the change?

Old Covenant - People nation etc was the focus.

New covenant - person focus.

The new covenant what such a radical change to the man and God relationship.

This can be seen in the change of terms towards the Father.

This can be seen in the change of terms towards the Father.

Romans 8:15 NIV

15 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

“The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.”

No longer standing afar but brought into the family of God, adopted into the family as sons and daughters. No longer slaves that live in fear, but by the Spirit we cry Abba Father. Our adoption brings restoration.

Our adoption into the family of God brings restoration. We are now children of God by the precious blood of Jesus.

The Parable of the lost son is a beautiful story Jesus used to show the heart of the father towards His wayward children.

In we can see the unconditional restoration that

Luke 15:22–24 NIV

22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Quick bring the best robe!

the father gave to the son.

Verses 22 to 24 tell us ““But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.” A dead relationship restored because of the heart of the father.

Not the second best the very best robe

Robe of righteousness,

Revelation 19:8 NIV

8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

Garment of praise

Isaiah 61:3 NIV

3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion— to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.

The armour of God.

Put a ring on the finger.

Place of Authority. Sonship. Acceptance.

Sandals on the feet.

Restoration of that which was lost.

Such is the grace of the Father.

He is the great I am, righteous holy, God and We get to call Him Abba Father. What an honour!