A few weeks ago, I had a fun night out with a group of friends to see ABBA Voyage, a show that celebrates the music of the ‘70s band, famous for winning the Eurovision song contest in 1974 with the song “Waterloo,” (for which the UK awarded them “nul points.”) They went on to be the most successful pop band of the ‘70s.
The name of the group is derived from the first names of the four members – Agnetha, Bjorn, Benny, Anni-Frid.
In the Bible Abba is the name Jesus uses for his Divine Father, when he prays at possibly the lowest point in his (earthly) life. He has predicted that his disciples will desert him, even Peter will deny him three times before the cock crows. He then takes Peter, James and John with him to the garden of Gethsemane. We are told that Jesus becomes deeply distressed and troubled.
What is his response? To pray.
“Abba, Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”
There are many ways to address God our Father – almighty, sovereign, gracious, loving, merciful, creator. Would you use the term “daddy?”
This term for Father, Abba, is the most intimate name we can use, and it means daddy. It is the name a child might use for his or her father. In Romans 8:15 Paul is describing how we can be adopted as children of God.
What is our response at our lowest moments? Do we pray to God? Do we hand our worries to God? Do we submit to His will?
Do you see yourself as a loved child of God? Is your relationship with God one of intimacy where you can call him Abba?
Prayer: Abba, Father, we are so blessed to be adopted into your family as children of God. Thank you that you sent your beloved Son, Jesus Christ as our Saviour so that we might receive the inheritance of unconditional love and eternal life with you. AMEN