Names of GodSample

Day 28: Abba – Father

Devotional:

In the quiet of Gethsemane, on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus utters a name for God that is both intimate and powerful: Abba. This Aramaic word translates most closely to "Daddy" or "Papa", a child’s tender cry to a loving father. However, it denotes an obedient recognition within the relationship.

To call God Abba means approaching Him not just as Creator or King but as a knowledgeable yet deeply personal and loving Father. It reveals a relationship rooted in trust, affection, security, and obedience. In Jesus’ moment of anguish, when He faced the weight of the world’s sin, He didn’t simply cry out to a distant deity; He cried out to Abba, the One whose love He had known for eternity, and whose authority He willingly submitted to.

Is This Name for Me to Use?

This name isn’t reserved for Jesus alone. Romans 8:15 tells us, “You have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!” Because of Christ, we have been brought into the family of God. We don’t approach Him as strangers or servants, but as sons and daughters. We can cry out to Him with the same confidence, intimacy, and honor that Jesus did.

This closeness changes everything. In a world where fatherhood can be fractured, distant, or painful, God redefines what it means to be a Father. He is not harsh, impatient, or absent. He is near, attentive, merciful, and strong. He disciplines with love, provides with joy, and listens with compassion.

What Does It Do For You?

When you call God Abba, you remind your heart that you are loved not because of what you do, but because of who you are to Him. A child. Adopted. Secure. Cherished. And you're also expressing a desire to walk in obedience under His headship, just as Jesus did in the garden.

But this name also calls for surrender. Jesus said, "Abba, Father... not what I will, but what you will" (Mark 14:36 – NIV). Calling God Abba means we trust Him enough to lay down our will. We believe He knows best, even when the path is painful or unclear. It's not just a word of affection; it's a word of allegiance.

Resting With Abba

If God is truly our Father, we can rest in His plans. We can run to Him in fear, rejoice with Him in victory, and sit in silence knowing we are never alone. He carries our burdens and celebrates our joys. He never tires of our prayers, never abandons His children, and never stops loving.

Let Abba be the name you speak in your strength and sorrow. Whether you are walking through mountaintops or valleys, He walks with you, not as a distant ruler but as a loving Dad who holds both your heart and your future. His arms are open. His voice is kind. His love is unshakeable. And His authority is trustworthy.

Prayer:

Abba, Father, thank you for calling me your child. Thank you for letting me come to you without fear or shame. In my joy and my pain, help me trust your heart. Teach me to surrender my will to yours, just as Jesus did. Help me obey you not out of duty but out of love, knowing that your headship is perfect and your plans are good. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. How does calling God "Abba" change how you view your relationship with Him?
2. What keeps you from approaching God as a loving Father?
3. What areas do you need to renew your obedience to Abba’s headship?