Rest in the Love of the Father
We can rest in the love of our heavenly Father, knowing that He is patient, forgiving, and always waiting to embrace us.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the unconditional love of the Father, illustrating how we often misinterpret God's feelings towards us, much like a friend questioning if they have upset us. He encourages believers to stop dwelling on their shortcomings and instead rest in the assurance of God's love and forgiveness, just as the prodigal son was welcomed back by his father. Wilkerson reminds us that no matter how far we stray, we can always return to God, who is eager to embrace us with open arms and assure us of our acceptance in Him.
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Have you ever had a friend or loved one say to you, out of the blue: "Are you mad at me? Did I do something wrong?"
You may simply be quiet, deep in thought. So you answer, "No, I'm not mad. You didn't do anything to hurt me. I'm just quiet right now."
But they press you: "Was it something I said?"
"No, you didn't say anything. All is right."
Finally, to convince that person, you have to hug him: "Look, I love you--I'm not upset. But if you keep this up, you're going to get me upset!"
Beloved, this is how we treat our heavenly Father! At the end of the day, we go to our secret closet and say: "Let's see now, how did I grieve Jesus today? What did I do wrong --what did I forget to do? I'm such a mess, I don't know how he can love me. Lord, forgive me one more time. Someday I'll be so obedient, you'll find it easy to love me." But God is there all the time, waiting to embrace you! He wants to show you how much he loves you and he wants you to lie back and rest in his love!
When the prodigal son came home, he was welcomed back into his father's house. He received a new robe, ate at his father's table and had full forgiveness. The one thing this son knew was that he was secure in his father's love! He knew his father would bear with him, work with him, love him. That's how our heavenly Father is with us.
No matter how far we may stray from our Father, we have continued access to return. But we must believe what God's Word says--he hath "made us accepted in the beloved" (Ephesians 1:6).
He waits with outstretched arms to embrace all who accept their access and return to his love.
Sermon Outline
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Resting in the Love of the Father
- Recognizing our need for forgiveness and acceptance
- Understanding God's unconditional love and acceptance
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The Father's Embrace
- God's patience and forgiveness
- The prodigal son's experience of restoration and forgiveness
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Access to the Father's Love
- Continued access to return to God
- Believing what God's Word says about our acceptance in Christ
Key Quotes
“But God is there all the time, waiting to embrace you!” — David Wilkerson
“He waits with outstretched arms to embrace all who accept their access and return to his love.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Reflect on your actions and attitudes to see if you've grieved God's love, and ask for forgiveness and restoration.
- Believe what God's Word says about your acceptance in Christ, and come to Him with a humble and repentant heart.
- Remember that God's patience and forgiveness are always available to you, and you can return to Him at any time.