Worship Devotional - "Abba Father"

Key Scripture: "And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, 'Abba, Father!'" - Galatians 4:6

Reflection

The word for Father in the Greek is "pater" and means father, parent—coming from a root word signifying a nourisher, protector, upholder. The expression "Abba" is found three times in Scripture and is the kind of word that would be used by infants, giving the impression of childlike faith and trust that provides protection and provision.

Interestingly, "Abba" was a word that slaves were forbidden to use in addressing the head of the family. But we are no longer slaves—we are sons and daughters. The word "Father" was added by Greek-speaking Jews and has the meaning of adult maturity based on knowledge of God's Word and exercising faith that brings protection and provision.

There are times when our worship is childlike in its simplicity, when we trust in God not because of what we know but because of who He is—simply because He is Daddy who loves me as His very own child. Equally, there are times when we worship as mature, authoritative, responsible, faith-filled, knowledgeable sons and daughters of the omnipotent Father.

A word of caution: we can never think we have matured to a place of not needing to be childlike in our worship of Him. Both expressions—childlike trust and mature faith—are essential to a complete worship life.

Today's Challenge

In your worship today, practice both expressions: approach God with childlike simplicity, calling Him "Abba" or "Daddy," then worship Him as the mature son or daughter you are, exercising faith based on His Word.

Prayer

Abba, Father, I come to You today as Your child—trusting, dependent, secure in Your love. And I come as Your mature son/daughter—knowing Your Word, exercising faith, walking in my inheritance. I worship You in both ways today. Amen.