Abba

“For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of Adoption. When we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’ it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:15-16

Day 43. In the words of all of my ancestors: Uff da.

As we continue in this season of Easter, however, we remember (for ourselves, for each other) that we have been set free. Where once we were bound in chains of sin and death, now we are bound to God as God’s children. Once we are parentless. Now we have been adopted into God’s family. Christ has won for us more than a judgment in our favor. Christ has made us family. This reminder came to me today through the verse selected for the Moravian Daily Texts.

Parenthood has taught me a great deal, starting with the many things I don’t know. Greta Jane entered our lives on August 4, 2009. Anders Kristian and Torsten Thomas followed in (nearly) two-year increments. Each child received as a gift, but also as a person with a claim upon my life. Their existence as my children changed me. While I don’t live out this vocation perfectly, there’s nothing I take more seriously. I want nothing more in life than for these three kids to grow in faith and years, knowing how much they are loved. By me. By their mother. Most of all, by God.

In teaching us how to pray, Jesus invites us into the familial relationship that is the Triune God. Call upon God as Father, Jesus invites. Paul opens this up for us, letting us know we can call God “Abba,” which is less “Father” and more “Daddy.” We are invited by the Spirit into a level of intimacy with the God who creates and redeems us. Yes, God is the almighty Creator of the universe. But God is also the One who wants us to imagine being held in cradling, loving, parental arms. Arms that protect us as we hear the divine voice shushing out the dangers of this world. Speaking love to us. Chasing away our fears.

In this invitation to call upon God as Abba, we see God’s deep desire to be with us. To delight in us. During these days that pile up one after the other, know that Abba is with you. That Abba loves you. That Abba sets you free. That Abba would do anything for you. In fact, has done everything for you, sending the Son to give his life, recreating us as daughters and sons of God Most High, God Most Close.

Abba. It’s not just a Swedish pop supergroup.

Again: Uff da.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

Abba, thank you for our brother, Jesus, whose dying and rising have brought us into your family. Grant us faith to trust your parental love for us. Remind us that all people are now our siblings. Be present in our homes today, Lord, and grant us peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Photo taken by me, February 25, 2012, in our home in Murrells Inlet, SC. Cute kids!