Abba, Abba!

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As our wheels touched down today in Tel Aviv, the young Jewish toddler sitting on her daddy’s lap playfully cried out, “Abba, Abba!” I was overcome with emotion. As the tears trickled down my smiling face, I thought of Jesus teaching his followers the words of the Our Father. They must have been joyfully, yet fearfully astonished by the affection Jesus demonstrated for Adonai. This is the name the Hebrew people would spoke aloud out of respect for the God Almighty. And here is Jesus, calling our heavenly father, “Abba, Daddy, Our Father…” Can you imagine the variety of emotions that must have overcome the crowd that first witnessed this prayer? I will never forget this moment, when I first heard a child’s voice playfully lovingly utter, “Abba, Abba!”



Today's blog and title reflect my landing experience in Tel Aviv, but pictures and captions are from my visit in Athens...

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Photos

Atop the acropolis. Modern city of Athens down below.
Very difficult to capture the magnificence of Athens in photographs...

Maidens on the Porch
Temple honoring both Poseidon and Asthenia.

Parthenon atop the acropolis.
Later converted to a Christian Church dedicated to Mary.

Text of Paul's Aeropagus speech.
See Acts 17:22ff..."You Athenians, I see that in every respect you are very religious...I even discovered an altar dedicated to an Unknown God. What therefore you unknowingly worship, I proclaim to you..."

Goodbye, Greece!!
Thank you for being such a gracious host.

Comments

[Julie Massey]

Abba!
Thanks for sharing this lovely reflection! Blessings as you continue to journey.