“A young couple visited a boarding care home which housed children for adoption. The caretaker brought out all the children who were clean (recently bathed), well dressed, properly schooled in manners; for this couple’s inspection and selection. As they passed down the line and spoke to each child, they did not find the one they were looking for to adopt. They asked the caretaker: “Do you have any more children?” He replied: “Yes, but he has not been cleaned up or dressed for viewing today.” The couple said immediately: “That alright, can we see him?” After a few minutes, the child was brought out and stood with the rest of the children. He was dirty, face unwashed, hair uncombed; clothes ragged and torn, no shoes; and his head was hanging down in shame, as he stood next to the other children.
After a few minutes of somber discussion, and wiping the tears from their eyes; they said to the caretaker: “We want this child!” The man immediately replied: “But he is not as nice as the other children; he's unmannered, and unloved by his own parents.” He continued: “And we have been unable to get him to behave; why do you want him?” The couple paused, to regain their composure and replied: “We see in him, the blessings of God for our home, and a better hope in life for him.” With shame the man asked: “Do you want us to clean him up?” They replied, lovingly: ‘No, we want the child just as he is right now.’”
Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
I absolutely love this word used in Romans 8:15…Abba.
W.E. Vine writes that “The cry ‘Abba’ is the cry of an infant.”
I absolutely love it when I return home from a day of work to be greeted by my children. Without fail, Haven will run towards me with her arms wide open and yell, “Daddy.”
Vine would also write that
“It was a form of address forbidden among Jews to be used by a slave to the head of the family.”
The use of the word “Abba” in this verse reminds us that we can run to God with arms wide open, yell Daddy, and know that
He has brought us into the family, not bought us as a slave.
This Father’s Day, remember your heavenly Abba! If you do not know God as your heavenly Father, I encourage you to seek Him, because He will be found!
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