Do you ever use expressions and then wonder what they really mean? For example, we use the phrase “to goad” someone, meaning to annoy or provoke them into doing something they are hesitant to do. In Acts 26:14, Paul recounts his conversion experience on the road to Damascus, quoting Jesus saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
In His book, God’s Goads, Chuck Swindoll explains: “‘to kick against the goads’ was a common expression…which rose from the practice of farmers goading their oxen in the fields.” He goes on to explain that goads were thin and sharp-pointed branches uses to prompt an oxen to move. The stubborn beast would sometimes ‘kick against the goads’ but it would result only in more ‘goading’ and more pain. So with time, the ox would learn to NOT kick against the goad and instead cooperate with its master.
Apparently, Paul’s conversion was not simply a sudden event but rather a resisting of God’s prompting over some time. As a religious pharisee he would have recognized the prophecies Jesus recalled from the Old Testament. Perhaps the words and actions of Jesus goaded him even as he resisted and ‘kicked against the goads’, persecuting Jesus’ followers.
We are like that, aren’t we? We know there is something needing to be done now yet we procrastinate. We know what is good for us but often pursue what brings us harm. We know that our happiness comes from renewing our minds yet continue to fill our minds with so much trash. We know our neighbor is sick, but we stay away. We know what is ultimately important in life yet chase after the trivial. We can’t resist a Facebook video that says, “You can’t believe what happens next!” but easily resist the urge to find out ‘what happens next’ when we draw close to God and respond cooperatively with his Word!
Like Saul, we kick against the goads, resisting God’s prompting us to focus on what ultimately is best for us and brings real fulfillment to our lives. The more we resist, the more the truth will goad us.
“Once you’ve seriously encountered Jesus, as Saul did, there’s no escaping Him. His words and works follow you deep within your conscience. That’s why I encourage people who are intensifying their efforts to resist the Gospels’ claims to study the life of Christ—to examine carefully His captivating words. Most people who sincerely pursue them can’t leave Him without at least reevaluating their lives.” (Swindoll)
God is not a cruel master, needlessly bringing pain to our lives to taunt and manipulate us into following his will. Rather, God is a loving father who never ever gives up on his beloved children. He continually and lovingly prompts us to come to him.
Are you kicking at the goads of his truth and finding disappointment, regret, sorrow, and grief? Walking cooperatively with God makes for a better journey.
