Title: Return to Your Dad!

Scripture focus: 

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

Devotion: This moment in the parable of the prodigal son is not just about a wayward child—it is about every sinner who finally awakens to the emptiness of life apart from God. The young man had squandered his inheritance, tasted the bitterness of sin, and found himself starving in a foreign land. Yet when he “came to himself,” he realized that the mercy of his father was greater than the misery of his rebellion. That realization is the beginning of repentance.

The Call to Return: God is portrayed as the loving Father who waits with open arms. The prodigal’s decision—“I will arise and go to my father”—is the same decision every sinner must make. No matter how far one has wandered, the way back is always open. As Isaiah 55:7 declares: “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.”

The Urgency of Repentance: The danger lies in delay. Hebrews 3:15 warns: “Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Tomorrow is not promised, and the longer one lingers in sin, the deeper the chains become. The prodigal did not wait until conditions improved—he arose immediately. Likewise, the sinner must return before it is too late.

The Father’s Welcome: When the son returned, the father did not scold or reject him. Instead, he ran to meet him, embraced him, and restored him. This is the heart of God toward every repentant sinner. As 1 John 1:9 assures us: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

A Final Plea: Beloved, do not remain in the far country of sin. Return to your Father while the door of mercy is still open. Jesus Himself said in Matthew 11:28: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” The feast of grace is prepared, the robe of righteousness awaits, and the Father’s arms are stretched wide.  

Return to your Dad—return to God—before it is too late. Please share your testimony here and feel free to share this devotional with your contacts. ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju,  gbemide09@gmail.com