"Abba, Father"

The father image of God has come under attack in recent years—perhaps because the father image itself has come under attack. It has deteriorated. Macho doesn’t usually blend well with tender love.

But the relationship of father to child is often portrayed tenderly in the Bible. Children were answers to the patriarch’s prayers. Even Jacob—who, admittedly, played favorites—demonstrated loving relationships with each of his children.

In the Old Testament, the prophets portray a positive father image. Elisha cried, My father! My father! when he saw a chariot of fire snatch his teacher. (II Kings 2:12 NIV)

Jesus always addressed or referred to God as the Father who provided for every need.

And Paul wrote, “For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” (Rom. 8:15)

Sonship and fatherhood are good things.

Originally published May 17, 1985.
Picture: Fern-leaf Peonies with Creeping Phlox foreground, Patty's Garden, 2009. Photo by Solveig.