The Greatest Gift to Our Father

For the last few days I have been doing a deep dive into Romans 8 for a Bible study I’m apart of. Every time I dwell in this chapter for an extended period of time I come away filled up. I often say if I had to choose one chapter in all of Scripture which has transformed me the most it would be Romans 8.

And on Father’s Day morning with these 39 verses fresh on my heart I was pondering on what would be the best gift to give my Heavenly Father on Father’s Day. After all He has absolutely everything. He is the Creator and Sustainer of the whole cosmos. Then it occurred what would bless Him the most is found right in this glorious chapter.

For me everything in this chapter hinges on this amazing truth found in verses 15-17:

“For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship (or, adoption). And by Him we cry ‘Abba Father.” The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His suffering in order that we may also share in His glory.”

It would take some hours to unpack all the truths found in these 3 verses but at the center of it is this phrase, “And by Him we cry ‘Abba Father!”  The Father’s great gift to us is His presence through the Holy Spirit, and His Spirit helps us shout out a powerful prayer – “Abba Father!”  Perhaps you have heard that the word “Abba” is used in all types of languages and as a term of endearment, or an intimate love relationship with your papa or daddy.

Calling out to our Father God as our “Abba,” is giving Him the greatest of Father’s Day gifts. We are declaring that we are His beloved children and we trust in Him with all of our hearts. I love watching my grandkids call out for their daddy or mommy. Sometimes it is when they are hungry, or when they stepped on something ouchy, or when they wake up from a nap, or wanting their parents to notice them, or simply wanting a hug.

When mommy and daddy hear those words, their heart melt with love and they respond quickly to the need. How much more does our Heavenly Father love to hear His kids cry out “Abba Father!” Those two words show our need, affection, and trust in our Daddy. When we as His children seek His authentic love and His affirmation, such a gift goes beyond anything in all creation, truly nothing can can separate us from such amazing love (8:39).

All of Scripture is the Good News of the Father bringing us back to an understanding of our Father’s love given to us through the sacrifice of Christ and the Holy Spirit. When we cry out as children to our “Heavenly Daddy” His heart explodes with unspeakable joy.  Such a response is an acknowledgement that we have received His gift of salvation. We know without a doubt we are the Father’s precious children.

Every day is our Abba’s Day. Bless Him today with greatest gift of joy by crying out to Him in prayer “Abba Father!”