Sometimes we misunderstand each other.
An open response to a reader
I recently wrote this piece about being crucified with Christ.
Cate Covert writing on Chadashah.org: I am Crucified with Christ
A reader took exception to my speaking of Jesus as Abba or Father.
It is not possible to write the entire Gospel story in every post, and sometimes I write things that others might consider shorthand. I welcome discussion and appreciate it when people take the time to comment on what I write. Sometimes there are misunderstandings, and they can go both ways. Whenever I have the opportunity, I will always clear things up as quickly as possible.
Here is the comment without the name (I do this for us to learn and not to embarrass or chastise anyone).
“Nice, you came to see the importance for mankind of Jesus, the son of God, whom you feel living in you. Hopefully you shall come to see how this son of man ,now sitting at the right hand of his heavenly Father, is now our mediator by God.
Jesus should not be your Abba or Father, but be your brother. Our Father in heaven is the heavenly Father of Jesus Christ, the God of Jesus, Who should also be our God.”
I responded:
Thank you for your comment.
Please allow me to direct your attention to the following scriptures which prove that Jesus is also called the Everlasting Father, and the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Prince of Peace, among other exalted titles.
It was edifying to me to join in this conversation with you. I hope you find the following passages edifying for you.
Shalom,
Cate
Isaiah 9:6-7 For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (7) Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) He was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (4) In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
John 8:51-59 Most assuredly, I say to you, if anyone keeps My word he shall never see death.” (52) Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ (53) Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” (54) Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. (55) Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word. (56) Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” (57) Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” (58) Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” (59) Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.
Revelation 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.”
Revelation 19:11-16 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. (12) His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. (13) He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. (14) And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. (15) Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. (16) And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 12:10-11 Then I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren, who accused them before our God day and night, has been cast down. (11) And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death.
These passages are so crucial for us to read and meditate - or, as a dear friend says, marinate. We need the Word of God in us, and we don’t want to limit Him in any way. God’s Word is alive and sharp! We need it to help us recognize God’s Kingdom and discern our brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ.
Blessings,
Pastora Cate