By [the Spirit] we cry, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15
Minutes after US President Harry Truman announced the end of World War II, a phone rang in a small clapboard house in Grandview, Missouri. A ninety-two-year-old woman excused herself to take the call. Her guest heard her say, “Hello. . . . Yes, I’m all right. Yes, I’ve been listening to the radio. . . . Now you come and see me if you can. . . . Goodbye.” The elderly woman returned to her guest. “That was [my son] Harry. Harry’s a wonderful man. . . . I knew he’d call. He always calls me after something that happens is over.”
No matter how accomplished, no matter how old, we yearn to call our parents. To hear their affirming words, “Well done!” We may be wildly successful, but we’ll always be their son or daughter.
Sadly, not everyone has this kind of relationship with their earthly parents. But through Jesus, we all can have God as our Father. We who follow Christ are brought into the family of God, for “the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship” (Romans 8:15). We’re now “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (v. 17). We don’t speak to God as a slave but now have the freedom to use the intimate name Jesus used in His hour of desperate need, “Abba, Father” (v. 15; see also Mark 14:36).
Do you have news? Do you have needs? Call the one who is your eternal home.
What news or needs would you love to share with your earthly parents? What can you tell your heavenly Father? He’s listening.
Gracious Father, thank You for being the one to whom I can call on in prayer anytime.
For further study, read Talking with My Father: Jesus Teaches on Prayer.
INSIGHT
Paul wrote the book of Romans to the church in Rome, which he’d never visited. In chapter 8, he outlines two equations showing the consequences of our actions (vv. 12-17). Deeds done according to the flesh—our natural, selfish desires—lead to death (vv. 12-13). In marked contrast is life lived by the Spirit, which leads to life (vv. 13-14). The simplicity of Paul’s argument is easy to overlook. When we trust in our own devices and desires, we’re walking a path straight to death. When we embrace the power and leading of the Spirit, we find life.