He Gives, and Gives Again
God's love is unconditional and unwavering, and He welcomes us back with open arms, just like the father in the parable of the prodigal son.
F.B. Meyer emphasizes the boundless compassion of the father in the parable of the prodigal son, illustrating how the father's love and forgiveness stand in stark contrast to the potential judgment from the elder brother. The sermon highlights that the father's heart was always yearning for his son, ready to welcome him back without any condemnation. Meyer points out that the father's unconditional love serves as a reflection of God's nature, who gives generously and without reproach. The message encourages believers to recognize and embrace God's grace, which is freely given to all who return to Him.
Text
"But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him"
(Luke 15:20).
What a blessing it was for the prodigal that he did not meet his elder brother before his father! Had the two, by any sad mischance, met face to face in the field, it is certain that the ragged wanderer would never have gone another step. His brother would have upbraided him with leaving home, and wasting his patrimony, and coming back in so disgraceful a state. Assuredly he would not have killed the fatted calf; but he would have killed all hope in that sad and sinstained soul.
With one farewell glance at the dear old home, the penitent would have turned back to the far-country and the swine. Those upbraidings would have broken the bruised reed, and quenched the smoking flax in densest midnight.
But mercifully the prodigal first met his father, whose heart had never ceased to yearn for him, and whose eye strove against the blinding touch of grief and years, that it might still scan the road along which that prodigal child had gone. Was there upbraiding in his look or tone? Never! Was there upbraiding mingled with the first glad notes of welcome? Not a trace! Not a word about the long absence, the wild and evil life! If the son had had his way, he would have carried his confession to the end, and chosen for himself the servant's lot; but even in that he was stopped, and silenced with the warm rush of his father's love. "He gave liberally, and upbraided not."
This is a true picture of God. He gives, and gives again. He gives tears and blood. He gives His darling and His All.
Sermon Outline
- I. The Father's Love
- A. Unconditional and unwavering
- B. Mercifully received the prodigal
- C. Welcomed him with open arms
- II. The Prodigal's Reception
- A. Met with love and compassion
- B. No upbraiding or condemnation
- C. Received with open arms
- III. God's Character
- A. Like the father, God gives liberally
- B. Does not upbraid or condemn
- C. Welcomes the sinner with open arms
Key Quotes
“He gave liberally, and upbraided not.” — F.B. Meyer
“He gives, and gives again.” — F.B. Meyer
“He gives tears and blood. He gives His darling and His All.” — F.B. Meyer
Application Points
- We can learn to show love and acceptance to others, just like the father in the parable.
- God's love is not based on our worthiness, but on His own character and nature.
- We can experience God's joy and celebration when we return to Him, just like the prodigal son.