What’s in a name? Does it matter what word is used to name someone? It seems that it sometimes matters a great deal. As we mentioned in our latest Newsletter, in this part of the world there has been controversy about the name of God recently. The debate has spilled over from courtroom into violence and destruction. Most animists regard any creator spirit as unknown and unknowable. For Buddhists, a creator God who is personally known is incompatible with the Buddha’s teachings. From ancient times right up to today, across the region in which we live, the Koran is daily read and studied by many – but “Father” is not one of the 99 names of God recorded there. In Old Testament times, the Jews did not dare to speak of God in intimate terms.
A friend reminded us recently that Jesus taught us to pray to our creator God as “Abba”. In most Semitic languages “Abba” is the word used for father, or rather “Papa” or “Daddy”. Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth to adopt us into the Father’s family, to make a way for us to join the household of God. J.I. Packer comments: “What is a Christian? That question can be answered in many ways but the richest answer I know is that a Christian is one who has God as Father. Everything….that is distinctively Christian is summed up in the knowledge of the Fatherhood of God. ‘Father’ is the Christian name for God.”
Anna had a repeat MRI last week to check for tumour recurrence in her spine. We are grateful that the results showed no evidence of any tumour. The surgeon told Anna that he will have her rescanned in a year’s time (instead of six months) so we are glad and give thanks to our loving Father.
There has been a lot of nervous anticipation as the date for release of IGSCE results draws closer. In our home both parents and child have been having vivid dreams about various outcomes, both excellent and catastrophic. Today was the day! Josh burst through the door, overjoyed! He got six A* and two A’s, coming sixth in his year of 130. We are delighted and give thanks to the Lord!
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