Few things thrill me more than hearing my granddaughters learn to say Doc and Mimi. I am fascinated as I watch Josie and Nory learn to speak. Nory likes to say cat and outside. Josie dramatically says, “No. Oh no.” This most recent trip she added to the end of that expression, “Shoot.” “No. Oh no. Shoot.” Some days, I feel the same way! You, too? Her parents have no idea where she learned to say that. When unsure, though, she always calls out to her parents: “Mama, Daddy.”
Paul told the Galatians that before Christ, the people of God were underage heirs living under the guardianship of the law. God’s answer for the brokenness in the world was to send a baby. Isn’t that amazing? God’s Son was born of a woman, born under the law to redeem those under the law. In relationship with God’s Son we experience adoption.
As far as I remember, babies come with nothing at all in their possession. An instruction manual might have come in handy! But God’s Son came with gifts to give, including his Spirit. Through Christ, we call Jesus’ Father our Father. Abba is the affectionate name for father in the Aramaic language which Jesus spoke. It is still the word for “Dad” in modern Hebrew.
Once in Israel we were going down into a dark tunnel near Beth She’an. As we walked into the tunnel, a little girl skipped and ran ahead of her family. Suddenly she realized she was alone in the dark. The pitter patter of her feet stopped and she inquired softly, “Abba?” Her father answered and off she ran. A few moments later, the pattern repeated and she asked, “Abba?”
Today you may find yourself in an unanticipated darkness. Your first thought may be like Josie’s, “No. Oh no. Shoot.” If you ever wonder if God is still there, call him by name. “Abba?” Just in time you will hear his voice and receive his comfort. No matter where you go today, God is with you. You belong to him. As we say to our kids, “You got this because God has got you.” Live in that strength.
