Romans 8:15

Repeatedly, the Apostle Paul described himself as a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and his choice of words often conjures up all the abuses of slavery that have existed since men began to impose this evil upon others. Earlier in chapter 6 of Romans, Paul spoke of being set free from the bondage to corruption, and becoming a slave of God (Romans 6:22).

However, in this verse, Paul describes the wonderful difference for a believer enslaved to God instead of being enslaved to sin. It is a slavery unlike any other that has existed on earth. Instead of being bought by an evil man, and overtaken by fear for what he will do to us, we have been purchased and redeemed by the blood of Jesus. Though bought by Him, our very identity as a slave has been changed, for our Master has adopted us into His family and given us an inheritance as a child of the King: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

It even affects how we address the King. We can use the same term of endearment used by Jesus in the garden, “Abba!” It’s breathtaking the High King of Heaven would stoop to allow His subjects to address Him in this intimate and personal way.

So, the question is, how often do you feel the longing for the satisfying water only He can give, or sense the desperation that unless He helps you, all will be lost—how often do we cry out to Him, “Abba!” How about today? How about now?

Tom Day