Abba Father
This phrase describing one of the names of God is used three times in the Bible: Jesus addressing His Father in Gethsemane (Mk 14:36); in relation to the Spirit’s work of adoption that makes us God’s children and heirs with Christ (Rom 8:15); again in the context of adoption, the Spirit within calls out Abba Father (Gal 4:6). In each case, it expresses intimate relationship, affection and trust; that of a loved ‘child’ to a devoted Father. As born-again believers, we are loved members of His family, because of the sacrifice of Jesus on our behalf (Rom 8:17; Gal 4:7). God is not a distant, aloof being but wants to be intricately involved in our lives and even gives us the Holy Spirit within us (1 Cor 6:19). Being a child of God is the source of our hope, the security of our future and provides the motivation to “live a life worthy of the calling we have received” (Eph 4:1). This gives us the privilege and right to prayer “Our Father…” (Mt 6:9).
Do I delight in having a close relationship with Him? He wants it with us.