Meditation for Monday
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying Abba Father. Galatians 4:6
When they were small, there was something very special about watching my granddaughters as they greeted their father when he arrived from work. These were precious little girls, as delicate and fragile as they were delightful and lovely. By themselves, they seemed so tiny and alone, and at times could appear to be fearful in uncertain circumstances. But when their father picked them up and held them in his arms, they seemed so relaxed and content. There was something about snuggling on Daddy’s ample chest that was all they needed to relax and feel secure. Even one-year-old Grace, who might not at that time have grasped the concept of a Daddy, knew that when the big fellow picked her up, all was right with her little world. As God’s little children, so too ought we to appreciate the reality of safety and security in His nearness.
Just as little girls know that Daddy loves them and is deeply committed to all that is good for them, so we also understand God’s great love and care for us. But do we really understand how tender is his care? Do we really appreciate that His affection for us is far more warm and gentle than that of a devoted earthly father? In today’s text, the term ‘Abba’ is one that was used by a small Aramaic child expressing his feelings toward a loving father. It is a term of affection and tenderness, of nearness and preciousness. It is a term that God would love for us to use as we seek to appreciate Him.
How wonderful to know that God’s great love for lost sinners is so great that He sent His Son to die for our sins! How wonderful to know that God’s love is extended to believers in the provision for all our needs!. How wonderful to know that a loving God protects us and is taking us to be with Himself forever. But today, let us also appreciate that God is also a Father of tender affection for His little ones. And we, His little ones, ought to feel and express our affection for Him, too. -Jim MacIntosh