God had plenty names in the Old Testament… The most significant names being the ones having the prefix ‘Jehovah…’ These names were manifestations of God’s interventions at different situations or God’s promise towards impending issues. The covenant of the Law limited the Old Testament folks from enjoying God in a FAMILY perspective. Their relationship with God was more of a ‘ruler’ vs. ‘slave’ experience. It was largely characterized with fear, especially fear of judgment. So whenever they experienced God blessing them as a ‘Father’, the situation comes with such marvel that warrants a name to keep the memory alive!
But in the New Testament… We see a verse like this for us who believe in the atonement of Christ for our sins…
‘…For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to FEAR…’ (Romans 8:15)
This is referring to the Old Testament dispensation. By the atonement of Christ, the Grace covenant does not give believers the spirit of slavery or bondage to fear. The verse continues:
‘…but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, “ABBA! FATHER!”…’ (Romans 8:15)
Oh! Now the relationship has been redefined. From ‘ruler’ vs. ‘slave’ experience – to – ‘Father’ vs. ‘sons’ experience. Actually, it is ‘ABBA Father’ vs. ‘sons’ experience.
The word ABBA carries a very significant meaning. Whenever you think of the word ‘ABBA’, always remember it connotes two main things: NEARNESS and DEARNESS.
Now get this: the model prayer before Jesus went to the cross was started by: ‘Our Father, WHO ART IN HEAVEN…’ But after Jesus resurrected, it became, ABBA FATHER!
‘…And God RAISED US up with Christ and seated us WITH HIM IN THE HEAVENLY REALMS in Christ Jesus…’ (Eph. 2:6)
We have been ‘raised’! Now that connotes NEARNESS! We don’t interact as though our Father is ‘far’ in heaven. We have been raised with Christ to sit TOGETHER in heavenly places!!! So now we do more of ‘family soft-speaking’ with our Father than ‘yelling’ in prayers to a FAR father! I love how the Message Bible puts this verse:
‘…This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “WHAT’S NEXT, PAPA?”…’ (Romans 8:15 MSG)
Smiles… As in, God became our ‘Popsy’! Now that connotes DEARNESS! One beautiful thing this name does for us is that it consolidated all the Jehovah names of the Old Testament into one name: FATHER! It was one of the mission of Christ for us.
‘…I have revealed YOUR NAME to those You have given Me out of the world…’ (John 17:6)
What is the name? ABBA FATHER! Another way to call it is: ‘Daddy-God’!
‘…Holy FATHER, protect them by Your name, the name You gave Me…’ (John 17:11)
So there is protection in this name! Whenever you say, ABBA FATHER, you have invariably collated ALL the names of God in the Old Testament which was believed to induce divine manifestations.
Hear this: In life, there are 7 main issues that must be handled powerfully and taken care of, if a believer must have a fulfilled life on earth. All starting with letter ‘S’, these 7 issues if properly dealt with – will determine the experience of your life at any given time as a believer: SIN, SPIRITUALITY, SECURITY, SICKNESS, SHORTAGE, SIGNIFICANCE and STABILITY.
Can I let you know that there is a designation to all these issues in the attributed names of God for various situations?
– Jehovah Tsidkenu: the Lord Our Righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6) This deals with all the issues of SIN in your life for HE is your Righteousness.
– Jehovah-mekoddishkem: the Lord who sanctifies you (Exodus 31:13) This deals with all the issues of SPIRITUALITY in your life for He is your sanctifier!
– Jehovah Shalom: The Lord our Peace (Judges 6:24) This deals with all the issues of SECURITY in your life for He is your Peace!
– Jehovah Rapha: The Lord Our Healer This deals with all the issues of SICKNESS in your life for He is your healer! (Exodus 15:26)
– Jehovah Jireh: The Lord will Provide (Genesis 22:14) This deals with all the issues of SHORTAGE in your life for He is your Provider!
– Jehovah Nissi: The Lord our Banner (Exodus 17:15) This deals with all the issues of SIGNIFICANCE in your life for He is your Banner!
– Jehovah Ra-ah: The Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23:1) This deals with all the issues of STABILITY in your life for He is your Shepherd!
Oh… now guess what? All these names are consolidated into one name for you as a believer: ABBA FATHER! When you call on ABBA FATHER, you have just declared that your Father is your Righteousness (2Cor 5:21); Your Father is your Sanctifier (1Cor 1:30); Your Father is your Peace (Phil 4:7); Your Father is your Healer (Acts 10:38); Your Father is your Provider (Phil 4:19); Your Father is your Banner (2Cor 2:14) and Your Father is your Shepherd (2Tim 1:7)!
Hallelujah. Now we can understand this simple New Testament verse:
‘…But by HIS doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us WISDOM from God, and RIGHTEOUSNESS and SANCTIFICATION, and REDEMPTION, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”…’ (1Cor 1:30-31)
The parental manifestations of God for us in the New Testament is not momentary. It is constant. You are not a slave. You are now a Son.
‘…And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, ABBA, FATHER…’ (Gal 4:6)
Go ahead and call on your Abba Father! And enjoy the manifestations of His daily Fatherly blessings in your life.
Amen.
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