In biblical thought, one's name was much more than the label by which someone was called. Instead, one's name was thought to reveal one's very nature. This is especially true of God.
- God is often called El, or Elohim, meaning "Strong one. Mighty one." Probably the most common name for God in the OT, it emphasizes God as creator, etc.
- Another is Yahweh, basically meaning he is, or he is active. Its significant as a redemptive and covenant name of God. Moving on....(stick with me here)
- The name Adonai is also used for God. Basically meaning Lord, showing our servant-master like relationship with God. Alright, so far, probably boring.
- In the New Testament, we see Father, or in aramaic Abba. A word given to us by Jesus himself. We see Jesus use this word in the context of prayer.
Yet, Jesus was a Jewish person, yet he doesn't use any of the names Jews used to address God. Whats up with this Father nonsense. This abba father language breaks all categories Israel used. Yet remember, when Jesus prays on earth, he is not doing anything he didn't do for all eternity before this. He has given us insight into their relationship! He shows us a new name. How they related for all eternity! The language God uses to talk to God! (sounds schizo no? you get the idea) The manifestation of the trinity, uses abba language! By showing us this amazzzing word, he is inviting us into a conversation that will go on for all eternity!
J.I Packer states "To those who are Christ's, the holy God is a loving Father, they belong to his family, they may approach him without fear and always be sure of his fatherly concern and care. This is the heart of the New Testament message."
He continues on to state when describing the importance of this 'name' of God...You sum up the whole of the New Testament religion if you describe it as the knowledge of God as one's holy Father. If you want to judge how well a person understands Christianity, find out how much he makes of the thought of being God's child, and having God as his Father............'Father' is the Christian name for God.
I know I know, this is too long. But let me end in this. When you go to bed tonight, or wherever you are, and you pray, maybe the Lord's prayer, and you say "Father", or perhaps "Our Father." I want you to think! Don't go over it without meditating on how amazing it is that we can call God, Father! This is the engine that should keep us going! This truth should melt our hearts! So tonight, pray "Father", (Think while praying it).....Then after you pray, remember why we can call God Father. In Christ's name" I pray, or maybe "In Jesus name I pray" Amen.
The dawn of a new covenant where there is unmediated access and personal intimacy with God...Simply amazing...
Do we understand our relationship with our Father? Do we value it? Do we daily remind ourselves of its privileges. Work it into your heart. Peace!
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