I Will Arise And Go Back

I WILL ARISE AND GO BACK

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:

"But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you.”’" – Luke 15:17-18

Supporting Texts:

Isaiah 55:7, Joel 2:12-13, Matthew 11:28, Acts 3:19, James 4:8

INTRODUCTION:

Life is full of choices, and the decisions we make shape our destiny. Many people, like the prodigal son, have wandered far from God, chasing after worldly pleasures only to find themselves empty and broken. In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of a young man who left his father’s house, wasted his inheritance, and ended up in a state of misery. But in his lowest moment, he made a life-changing decision: “I will arise and go to my father.”

This statement marks the beginning of his restoration. It teaches us that no matter how far we have strayed, there is always a way back to God. The love of the Father is ever-present, waiting for us to return. The call to arise and go is not just for the sinner; it is also for the believer who has become lukewarm or discouraged. God is always ready to receive, restore, and renew those who turn back to Him.

Today, we will examine the steps the prodigal son took to return home and how we can apply them in our lives. If you have wandered from God in any way, the time to arise and go back to Him is now!

1. COMING TO YOUR SENSES

The first step to restoration is realisation.

a) Recognising your true condition (Luke 15:17).

The prodigal son realised he was in a terrible state.

b) Acknowledging the emptiness of life without God (Ecclesiastes 12:1).

Life apart from God leads to ruin.

c) Understanding that God’s way is always better (Isaiah 55:9).

The wisdom of God is superior to human reasoning.

d) Accepting responsibility for wrong choices (Psalm 51:3-4).

True change begins with an honest heart.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites in exile (Lamentations 3:40-41).

They recognised their sins and turned back to God.

2. MAKING A DECISION TO RETURN

Change begins with a firm decision.

a) The prodigal son said, “I will arise and go” (Luke 15:18).

He made a conscious decision to return home.

b) Repentance is a personal choice (Acts 3:19).

No one can repent for you; you must choose to turn to God.

c) God is always ready to receive those who return (Joel 2:12-13).

He is merciful and compassionate.

d) The longer you wait, the worse the situation becomes (Proverbs 29:1).

Delaying repentance can lead to destruction.

e) Biblical Example: The Ninevites (Jonah 3:5-10).

They repented, and God showed them mercy.

3. HUMBLING YOURSELF BEFORE GOD

True restoration requires humility.

a) The prodigal son admitted his faults (Luke 15:18-19).

He was willing to acknowledge his mistakes.

b) God resists the proud but lifts the humble (James 4:6).

Humility is the key to divine acceptance.

c) A broken and contrite heart God will not despise (Psalm 51:17).

God values genuine repentance.

d) We must confess our sins and seek forgiveness (1 John 1:9).

God is faithful to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

e) Biblical Example: The tax collector in the temple (Luke 18:13-14).

His humility led to his justification.

4. TAKING THE BOLD STEP OF FAITH

Returning to God requires action.

a) The prodigal son physically returned to his father (Luke 15:20).

He did not just think about it; he acted.

b) Faith without action is dead (James 2:17).

We must act on our decision to return.

c) God meets us when we take a step toward Him (James 4:8).

When we draw near to God, He draws near to us.

d) True faith leads to a transformed life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

A new life begins when we return to God.

e) Biblical Example: The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:27-29).

She acted on her faith and received healing.

5. EXPERIENCING GOD’S FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION

God is always ready to restore those who return to Him.

a) The father ran to welcome his son (Luke 15:20-22).

God is eager to restore His children.

b) God does not hold our past against us (Isaiah 43:25).

He forgives and forgets.

c) He restores us to our rightful place (Galatians 4:7).

We are not slaves; we are sons and daughters.

d) God rejoices when a sinner returns (Luke 15:7).

There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s restoration (John 21:15-17).

Despite his denial, Jesus restored him.

CONCLUSION:

The story of the prodigal son is a powerful illustration of God’s love, mercy, and willingness to restore those who return to Him. No matter how far you have gone, His arms are always open. It is never too late to arise and go back to the Father. Whether you have wandered in sin, drifted in your faith, or grown cold in your walk with God, today is the day to arise and return.