Romans 8:12-17

Be Still: Father help me as I read your Word. By your Spirit, I want to become more like Jesus today. Amen. 

Read: Romans 8:12-17

'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 himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. '(v15,16)

Encounter: I remember going to see Mamma Mia at the cinema and the audience couldn’t help but sing-along to the much-loved Abba songs sprinkled throughout the movie. St Paul says that, through the Holy Spirit, we can’t help but cry out 'Abba, Father'. He is obviously not referring to the Swedish pop group here, but the Aramaic term of endearment for a Father, which might be translated as ‘Daddy’ or ‘Papa’. 

This term of intimacy was first used by Jesus. Before that time, God’s name couldn’t even be spoken, out of reverence. So, in Jesus’ use of Abba, we have a shocking turn of events. Yes, God is holy, but he is not distant. Jesus is saying that God is his Daddy, whom he knows intimately. Not only that, but by the Holy Spirit in us, we now testify that we are children of God, and we too can have that level of intimacy with God. We don’t just know it intellectually but, by the Spirit, we are compelled to cry, ‘Abba, Father’. 

Apply: St Paul encourages us to be led by the Spirit of God. Let the Spirit take you by the hand today and lead you through the day. Remain in the truth that you are a child of God. Call him 'Abba' by the Spirit in you. You are co-heir with Christ. 

Devote: Abba, Father, I am yours. In Jesus’ name.