June 28 | Romans 8:1-17

Elaine Pierce
3 days ago
2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Father's Day

By Elaine Pierce

In today's passage, the apostle Paul focuses on life through the Spirit. He talks about how we are controlled by sin, but when we give our life to Jesus, we will be controlled by the Spirit. And in verse 15, he uses the phrase "Abba, Father." Abba is an Aramaic word meaning Father. It is used two other times in the New Testament:

Mark 14:36, when Jesus is in the Garden of Gethsemane, and he has asked his disciples to watch and pray: "Abba, Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

Galatians 4:6: Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba," Father."

Abba is always followed by the word Father in scripture. Abba emphasizes a father's trust, confidence and affection for his child. I am blessed to be a grandma to nine precious children, and I often hear them calling their fathers 'daddy.' My grandchildren range in age from 18 months to 11 years old, so they haven't entered those teen years when the parent/children relationship can be challenging. Children look up to their daddies and know they will protect them, love them, and take care of them.

Isn't that what Jesus does for us? Verse 16 makes it clear: "The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." Our daddy loves us! Yes, he is all powerful, mighty, all knowing, wise and divine. And at the same time, we can call him daddy. We can come to him daily with our needs, our longings, and our fears. He isn't hiding behind a screen, bellowing smoke and calling out that he is the Mighty Oz. He is our father, in spirit and in truth.

So Happy Belated Father's Day! Give thanks to Abba, Father.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for your word and for sending your son to live a perfect life and to die for my sins. Help me to build a love relationship with you, and to call you my father. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ELAINE PIERCE

It is a delight and joy to write Sunday's UALC Blog post. I have been a UALC member for 20+ years and I value our community of believers. I draw strength from God's Word, and it is my hope that you join me in seeking to grow closer to Him as we read, study, and pray together. I've been married to Gene for 47 years, and we have four grown children and nine grandchildren. It is an exciting time to be alive, and I count it all joy to serve him, even in the midst of challenges. To God be the glory, for the great things he is doing!