Scripture
14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” Romans 8:14-15
Observation
The Apostle Paul shows us the difference between the Romans 7 (“I do what I don’t want to do”) Christian and the Romans 8 (“led by the Spirit”) Christian is being Spirit-filled. It’s moving from the emphasis on behavior modification through religion (do better, do more, be nice, don’t sin or else) to the soul transformation of relationship (my Father loves me and out of that love flows actions that please Him). It’s moving from slavery to sonship. There are so many Christians who find themselves still trying to earn the Heavenly Father's approval out of fear rather than living out of the approval already won for them by Christ. When Jesus used this very phrase, “Abba, Father” in the Garden of Gethsemane it was out of intimacy not intimidation (Mk 14:36). He was wrestling with the reality of what was before Him on the Cross and inviting the Father into His struggle. I don’t just talk to my Dad when everything is going great. I talk to him through everything and he talks me through it. It’s why Paul goes on to write, “And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.” When Jesus uses both the Greek and Aramaic forms of father it's the “unuttered groanings” of a son who can’t quite put into words the depths of his struggle and yet knows his father understands exactly what he’s saying. Paul further clarifies the beautiful relationship between child and father in Galatians 4:6 when he writes, “6And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” 7Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child.”
Application
When I call out to the Father it’s the Spirit of Jesus, the Holy Spirit, who is praying through me. This is amazing when you think about it. The Holy Spirit not only helps me to know how to pray He also helps me to hear what the Father has to say. As one who has the privilege of leading my own house as well as The Fathers House if the Holy Spirit isn’t leading my house, this temple, then that doesn’t just affect me but so many around me. Though not on the same level as Christ in the garden I have been wrestling through a lot lately with The Father as it concerns reopening The Fathers House church building. Even while still in Hawaii I read of many pastors wanting to meet together with their churches whether or not the ruling authorities allowed it. I knew there were many in my church who wanted to do the same. I just didn’t have a peace on this so I wrestled it out with the Father. I told Abba Father that I was frustrated that my first main decision would most likely make many upset regardless. Most new pastors during normal times get a “honeymoon period” to get to know their congregation prior to making major decisions. These obviously are not “normal times” and this is not a “normal decision” that pastors are making right now. I told the Lord that no matter what I did there would be some who would misunderstand my heart simply because they haven’t had a chance to know me yet. If I opened too soon there might be some who saw this as a blatant disregard for people’s health and wellbeing as well as rebellion against our covering. If I opened too late there might be some who saw this as kowtowing to the overreach of our government officials and being led by fear. I knew there were valid points on both sides. I knew there was fear on both sides. I knew I couldn’t make a decision out of fear of rejection, fear of the unknown, or fear of the future. I am not a slave to fear. I am a son. I would go on to get the advice of my council and staff and other pastors as well as the Foursquare leadership that serves as my spiritual covering. Ultimately though, I would lean in to hear what Abba Father was saying. Often times, I will bring a concern to the Lord and then He will answer me in the middle of some other activity at some other time. It was while I was driving to pick up my boys from the beach that I heard clearly the Father’s voice whisper and ask, “Who’s house is it?” I smiled as I caught His sense of humor in the question while also recognizing the seriousness of it. I replied, “It’s The Father’s House”. Then, He simply said, “Then I will decide when I will reopen My house.” I had such a peace at that moment as I was reminded once again, this isn’t my church, these aren’t my people, I am not my own. I belong to Him. Out of my sonship, in the Father's love and approval, I move forward in the decision-making process of reopening in confidence rather than fear. Though I know whatever decision we make over the next few weeks will not make everyone happy I am happy in knowing that I get to do this with My Father who is already happy with me.
Prayer
Father, even while You were speaking to me this morning I was getting texts and emails with the latest from California’s governor regarding the guidelines for the slow reopening of church buildings. I thank You Father for moving on Governor Newsom’s heart to deem church’s as “essential.” Thank You for the timely reminder that this isn’t Trump's house or Newsom’s house or Foursquare’s house or my house. The Fathers House is Your house and You love this church so much You already have the plan that will best serve Your people. In fact, if this past Sunday was any indicator, with 18 couples stepping up to open up their homes for Zoom House Churches, You are already opening the doors in ways we can’t even imagine. I’m so glad I get to be on this faith adventure with You Abba Father!
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