June 29
"But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!" So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God." - Paul in Galatians 4:4-7 (RSV)
Many are involved today in genealogical research with the access the internet gives to explore old family records worldwide. A goal of many researchers is tracing family lines back to royal blood. However, as a believer, you can rest assured you already belong to a royal family! The word "Abba" in today's scripture from Paul is an Aramaic word most accurately translated “Daddy.” Aramaic was the common language in Jesus' time and spoken in Judea. Jesus taught publicly in Aramaic and often used it when praying. Hebrew was reserved for more formal occasions such as high holy services in the temple and parts of services in synagogues. However, Abba was a very common word small children used for their fathers. It shows the close, intimate relationship of fathers to children and the childlike trust a young child puts in “Daddy.” It is life-changing to have the privilege of calling God Almighty our “Daddy” and shows us today what it really means to become joint "heirs" with Christ. Under Roman law, an adopted son was given all legal rights to his father's property. Even if a former slave, he was not a second-class son but equal to all other sons, biological or adopted, in his father's family.
As Christians, we are all adopted children of God, and share with Jesus all rights to God's family estate. Paul tell us that, as God's heirs, we can claim all provided for us including our full identity as God's children. However, in Roman culture, the adopted person also lost all rights in their old family when gaining rights of legitimate children in their new family. Likewise, when we become Christians today, we also became full heirs to our Father's estate and gain all privileges and responsibilities of sons in God's family. Because we are God's children, we have great wealth now as co-heirs. Yet our Daddy has already given us his best gifts including Jesus, eternal life, forgiveness, heaven, and God's love. Our Daddy invites you right now to ask for everything you need anytime!
Prayer: Father God, Thank you for adopting me as your beloved child and for always loving me anywhere and every day. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: God is my perfect Daddy!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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