March 25th, 2022
Good, Good Father
By Pastor Todd Crofford
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
-Mark 14:36 NIV
Islam has 99 names for God; not one of them translates as Father. Judaism proclaims God as Father in a metaphorical sense. Jesus alone gives invitation for us to see God with much greater intimacy. His habit of referencing Father God as Abba was borderline scandalous to the other teachers around him. This is a unique celebration point for Christians - God wants intimate relationship with us!
The term Abba reveals his affection for us, but there is more. Abba also indicates children’s willingness to obey their father. When speaking in Hebrew, the command “Son, clean your room” gets the response “Yes, Abba.” If a child knows the affection and protection of his father, he or she is more than willing to obey out of a trust that Father knows best.
The text above is a great example, showing Jesus as ready to obey the will of the father. The other Bible verses using Abba in the New Testament all have similar overtones of obedience. (See Romans 8:13, Galatians 4:4) If as a Christian we proclaim that God loves us, that He is perfect, and can be trusted- then we also must decide to obey Jim in everything He asks of us. Like the song says “You’re a good, good Father.”
In response, I want to be a joyfully obedient son.
How about you?
By Pastor Todd Crofford
"Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."
-Mark 14:36 NIV
Islam has 99 names for God; not one of them translates as Father. Judaism proclaims God as Father in a metaphorical sense. Jesus alone gives invitation for us to see God with much greater intimacy. His habit of referencing Father God as Abba was borderline scandalous to the other teachers around him. This is a unique celebration point for Christians - God wants intimate relationship with us!
The term Abba reveals his affection for us, but there is more. Abba also indicates children’s willingness to obey their father. When speaking in Hebrew, the command “Son, clean your room” gets the response “Yes, Abba.” If a child knows the affection and protection of his father, he or she is more than willing to obey out of a trust that Father knows best.
The text above is a great example, showing Jesus as ready to obey the will of the father. The other Bible verses using Abba in the New Testament all have similar overtones of obedience. (See Romans 8:13, Galatians 4:4) If as a Christian we proclaim that God loves us, that He is perfect, and can be trusted- then we also must decide to obey Jim in everything He asks of us. Like the song says “You’re a good, good Father.”
In response, I want to be a joyfully obedient son.
How about you?
Posted in We Believe
Recent
Archive
2025
January
Paralysis of AnalysisA Daily CommitmentChild Like FaithThe Battle of the MindGPSSTOP. THINK. ACT. REVIEW.Let. It. Go.Choosing the Path of MercyQuick to Listen, Slow to SpeakPeacemakersBe Careful What You Wish ForRunYour Old Self Vs. The NewOn Not Loving the WorldLove One AnotherTreasure ChestsWho Sets the Bar?Be the You God Made You to BeTread a PathSo Much Better
February
Trust and ObeyA Pivotal MomentOh to Be the Mama of JesusA Fresh StartVictory or DefeatThe Edge of the CliffAuthorityHis Personal TouchForged by FaithSabbath - Setting You FreeHave You Prayed About It?Don't Build Your House on Sandy LandThe Centurion's FaithDon't Be OffendedWe All Need ItLighthouseIt's a Family ThingWhere the Ministry isHolding on by a Thread - and That's EnoughTraveling Essentials
2024
January
New Year, Fresh StartA Good Plan for the New YearCall on MeHope Has a NameHolidays in Rear ViewHolinessHow to Have our Mind TransformedNew Year, New YouA Pattern of RenewalVictory in JesusFear Knot? Fear Not.Seek the LORDBetterWhere to Place your TrustRadical GraceGenerosity God's WayThe Poor and NeedyThe Open Hand ConceptA Need that Burdens your HeartHow's Your Heart?Who Are You?Testing in the Wilderness
February
CallingDon't HideWhere You AreJust the Two of UsInvesting in the Kingdom of GodThe Golden RuleAgainst the GrainUnexplainable JoyThe Power of God's WordFollow MeThe God of the ImpossibleOut on a LimbWe All Face ItTrue JusticeGatherGood SoilDon't Put God in a BoxBe BraveCulture CheckFeed His Sheep. Love His People.Jesus Revealed
Categories
Tags
no tags
No Comments