When The Glory Returns

WHEN THE GLORY RETURNS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: 1 Samuel 4:21-5:1

Supporting Texts: Ezekiel 10:18-19, Haggai 2:9, 2 Chronicles 5:13-14, Psalm 85:6-9, John 1:14

INTRODUCTION:

The glory of God is the tangible manifestation of His presence, power, and majesty. In 1 Samuel 4:21, Ichabod was born in the midst of tragedy—his name meaning "the glory has departed from Israel." Israel had lost its spiritual compass; the ark of God was taken, and the priesthood was defiled. But God, in His mercy, is a restorer. The return of God's glory marks a turning point for any people, ministry, or nation.

When the glory of God departs, emptiness, defeat, and shame follow. But when His glory returns, joy, revival, restoration, and victory are inevitable. The return of the glory is not a casual occurrence; it is birthed through hunger, repentance, and divine order.

This message calls us to cry out for the return of God’s glory. The condition of the church and society today needs a revival of God's manifest presence. Where the glory of God abides, lives are transformed, miracles flow, and God is honoured.

1. THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE DEPARTURE OF GLORY

a) Spiritual barrenness replaces divine presence (Ezekiel 10:18-19):

When God leaves, emptiness sets in.

b) Defeat and shame become the norm (1 Samuel 4:10):

The Israelites lost the battle because God’s presence was not with them.

c) Leadership fails when not guided by glory (1 Samuel 2:12):

Eli’s sons dishonoured God and brought disaster.

d) People lose their sense of direction and purpose (Proverbs 29:18):

Without vision from God, people perish.

Biblical Example: The ark was taken by the Philistines, symbolising God's departure from Israel (1 Samuel 4:11).

2. THE REASONS WHY THE GLORY DEPARTS

a) Sin and disobedience drive God away (Isaiah 59:1–2):

God will not dwell where iniquity reigns.

b) Idolatry displaces the presence of God (Exodus 20:3):

When people exalt things above God, His glory withdraws.

c) Religious formality without genuine intimacy (2 Timothy 3:5):

God’s presence leaves when worship is empty.

d) Leadership failure and dishonour to sacred things (1 Samuel 2:17):

Eli’s house treated the things of God with contempt.

Biblical Example: God’s glory left the temple in Ezekiel’s vision because of Israel’s persistent idolatry (Ezekiel 8–10).

3. SIGNS THAT THE GLORY IS RETURNING

a) A hunger for holiness and righteousness increases (Matthew 5:6):

God comes where people thirst for Him.

b) Worship becomes Spirit-filled and God-centred (John 4:24):

The atmosphere shifts when true worship arises.

c) Revival breaks out with manifestations of power (Acts 2:1–4):

The Spirit returns with fire.

d) God begins to reveal Himself in unusual ways (Psalm 85:6–9):

Peace, truth, and glory are restored.

Biblical Example: At the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the glory of the Lord filled the house (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).

4. THE POWER THAT RETURNS WITH GOD’S GLORY

a) Miracles, signs, and wonders become common (Mark 16:17):

The presence of God is accompanied by divine power.

b) The fear of God returns among the people (Acts 5:11):

The awe of God brings holy reverence.

c) Breakthroughs occur in places of stagnation (Isaiah 10:27):

Yokes are destroyed by the anointing.

d) Unity and joy overflow in the body of Christ (Psalm 133:1–3):

The glory fosters divine harmony.

Biblical Example: After the resurrection, Jesus breathed the Spirit and glory returned to the disciples (John 20:22).

5. HOW TO INVITE THE RETURN OF GOD’S GLORY

a) Genuine repentance and brokenness before God (2 Chronicles 7:14):

God restores the humble and contrite.

b) Persistent prayer and passionate intercession (Joel 2:17):

Prayer paves the way for His return.

c) Sacrificial worship and honouring God (Psalm 50:23):

True worship invites divine presence.

d) Hunger and thirst for more of God (Psalm 42:1–2):

God responds to holy desire.

Biblical Example: The disciples waited in the upper room in unity and prayer, and the Spirit came in glory (Acts 2:1–4).

CONCLUSION:

When the glory of God returns, everything changes. What was lost is restored. What was dead comes alive. The Ichabod of yesterday is replaced by the Shekinah glory today. Our churches, homes, and lives desperately need the return of God's manifest presence. Let us be vessels who welcome the glory back.

The glory is not a mystical idea—it is the evidence of God's power and presence. Let us prepare the altar, clean our hearts, and cry out: “Lord, let Your glory return and dwell among us again.”

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, have mercy and restore Your glory in my life.

2. Cleanse me from every sin that has driven Your presence away.

3. Let my heart burn again with holy desire.

4. Let the fear of God return to Your church.

5. Restore the power and fire of Your glory.

6. Revive every spiritually dead area in my life.

7. Let worship in my life and church be pure and acceptable.

8. Pour out Your Spirit afresh upon us.

9. Let Your glory return and rest in our midst.

10. Make me a carrier of Your divine presence.