Romans
8:12-17 – It is easier for a child to
use a two-syllable word ending in a vowel than to use a single syllable word
ending with a consonant. Every parent and grandparent knows this! At ten
months, a toddler can say, "Momma,"
"Dadda," and "Egg!"
“Daddy” is
easier to say than “Dad,” “Mommy” is
easier than “Mom.”
But “Abba”
is the word used by Jesus in the crucifixion scene in the Gospel of Mark. Jesus
prayed, “Abba, Father, for you all things
are possible… ” – Mark 14:36
The use of “Abba”
must also have been characteristic of Jesus’ prayers, as in the use of “Father” in the Lord’s Prayer.[1]
God
would by these words tenderly invite us to believe that He is our true Father,
and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we
may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father. [2]
This term was familiar to the Christians at Rome. The
audience to whom Paul is writing.
Being a son makes you an heir and a member of the
family. Being a citizen gives you rights, privileged, responsibilities. The
Inheritance is yours because you belong to Christ.
Thus being “led
by the Spirit of God,” we are not afraid, but we cry out in faith to our
Father in heaven. (See Romans 8:14–15)
Fear leads to isolation. This, leads to withdrawal. This,
leads to depression. This, leads to alienation. Which, leads to death. Notice
the downward spiral.
Such was Luther's journey. His quest: finding an
answer to the question, “how can I find a
loving God? One who is not angry.” Luther finally understood what Paul
wanted: to preach a righteousness that was a gift—a gift by which God
mercifully justifies us through faith in His Son. Paul was not describing a
cold-hearted standard that could only lead to our condemnation. That would
hardly be Gospel or “good news!”
Paul is speaking of the righteousness of God that was
revealed at the cross—God’s great love for us. When Luther realized this, his
whole world turned upside down, the bitter became sweet, and the locked door
sprang open:
“I extolled my
sweetest word with a love as great as the hatred with which I had before hated
the word ‘righteousness of God.’ Thus that place in Paul was for me truly the
gate to paradise.”[3] While wrestling with Paul, Luther found
himself also wrestling with God, and like Jacob of old, Luther would never be
the same.
Each morning is the dawn of a new day, it’s an
opportunity to love God and serve your neighbor as a redeemed child of God. As soon as your feet hit the floor thank God as
the devil says to himself, “Oh, no! She’s
up! Each day is an opportunity to
praise God as you serve your neighbor.
So, stop your griping. It won’t help anybody. Instead…Pick up a shovel and go merrily about
your business with a grateful heart.
Lord God, You
promise to help and comfort those who call upon You in the day of trouble.
Grant Your deliverance in Christ Jesus that by the power of the Holy Spirit we
may not be overcome in adversity but be strengthened to live confidently in
Your love and peace. Make us to know that in all things You work for good of
those who love You and that nothing can separate us from Your love which is in
Christ Jesus our Savior.
Luther’s Seal
copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia
Publishing House, St. Louis
[1] In
Matthew 6:9; the Greek “pater” of the prayer is probably a translation of the
Aramaic Abba
[2] Explanation
to the Introduction to the Lord’s Prayer Luther’s Small Catechism.
[3]
Luther’s Works 34:37 Saint Louis: Concordia Publishing House, © 1972
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