Word of the Week: Abba

Check this out! This was written by one of our Prospective Student Ministers. Courtney is a sophomore this year, but was new to TCF this fall. I have been blessed to meet with her each week this semester for one-on-one discipleship. Her growth and excitement in the Lord have grown exponentially and this post, trust me, is evidence of that. Praise God!


Father
Ab, Abba, Pater

When we think of God, we often times think of our Savior, our Lord, our King, however we often forget that he is not only those things, but also our Father. He is the one who loves us, who protects us, who holds us close, who rejoices when we come back to him, and forgives us when we least deserve it.

In Hebrew Scriptures, God is normally seen as the Father over Israel, not the Father over individuals. Jews of that time would never have considered calling Him Father; however, Jesus himself referred to God as his Father, and called us—as believers—to do likewise. Jesus depicted God as a tender, and a compassionate father, who gives grace to sinners.

According to the book, Praying the Names of God Ab (Hebrew) or Abba, the Aramaic word for Daddy which came to be known as “dear father” is paired with the Greek word pater. Pater is the most frequently used term for Father in the New Testament. The name Abba, Pater is found three times in the New Testament, all in prayer. Jesus cried out to God in Gethsemane saying, “Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36).

I’m sure we can all see God as our Father in many of the circumstances we face each day. When I was a freshman in high school, it was made clear to me that my God is my Father, my Abba, my Pater. I remember vividly my mom breaking the news to me that my dad would be in prison for nine years. I remember crying and wondering what I was supposed to do without my dad. I longed to have a dad who would watch over me, and protect me. Unfortunately, I received none of those from my earthly dad. I looked to God and wondered, are you like the dad I have now? Are you going to leave me? Are you going to break countless promises? Anne Spangler puts it best, “If you want to perceive who God the Father is, earthly models will fail you” (321).

It was and is true, my earthly model of a dad failed me in perceiving who God truly is. God watches over us, and protects us through everything. Spangler quotes Sigmund Freud, “One of the strongest needs of childhood is the need for a father’s protection” (325). Even when our earthly father fails to provide a sense of security, we can count on and know that God will everlastingly provide faithful fatherly protection. When we feel as if there is no one to protect us we need to remember Deuteronomy 33:27, “The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” This protection will not weaken, it will not fail, it will eternally remain.

It is important to know that God is our Father, our Abba, our Pater, and he wants us to be His children. He wants to hold us close so that we may experience security in him. By doing so we are free to confidently take risks that faith requires. Let God be your Father, so that you can take those risks for him, let him cradle you, and know that he will never let go.

Luke 12:32-
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.