In Hebrew theology, God is so powerful and holy, that you cannot utter his name directly; you can only call upon God through his attributes. For example, you can call Him the “Highest One” (El Elyon) or you can call Him the “Almighty One” (El Shaddai). These powerful attributes describe the TRANSCENDENCE of God, the aloofness of God
Jesus emphasized the IMMANENCE of God, the closeness of God. In one of the most amazing tributes to fathers ever, Jesus calls upon God, prays to God, using the name Abba which means literally “Daddy, dear Daddy.” It was, frankly, the name that Jesus used to call Joseph.
Do you see what an incredible tribute that is? Joseph the silent man of the New Testament, the man who disappears from the record after Jesus’ visit to the Temple, his positive influence, his expression of character is so impactful upon Jesus that when Jesus casts about for a name by which to call God, he can do no better the name he whispered in joy or called in fear as a child— the name, Abba.
See Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, in the most critical hour of His life, asking for another option, a third choice. Falling on his face in agony and prayer, his body drenched in a bloody sweat. “Daddy, dear Daddy,” He prays, “let this cup pass from me. Nevertheless not my will but thine be done.”
I am humbled by the truth, that in my life, I have both called “Dad” and been called “Dad.” What a favor, what an honor. Father’s Day is something very special. Join us this Sunday as we say “thanks.”
Stan
Posted on
Tue, June 15, 2010
by Stan Cosby