What has been a constant in my spirit is that, “All things work for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) “. . . It is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.” That is what Jesus told Saul (later Paul), in Acts 26:14. Paul had been doing his own thing—he had been rounding up Christians, beating, persecuting and imprisoning them. He had been fighting against the Lord—fighting against the plan of God to no avail.
The New King James Version of the Bible translates “kick against the pricks” as “fighting against the goad.” Just what did Jesus mean by this term? According to Christianity.com, this term was often used by farmers to force an ox who was refusing to continue moving down the field. Now, this goad was a piece of wood that was blunt on one end and sharp on the other. As the obstinate ox kicked, the goad would stab into its flesh, causing pain.
Paul was “a Pharisee of Pharisees”; a member of the highly esteemed Jewish sect. The Pharisees were a self-righteous Jewish sect who followed the path of traditional law. Proverbs 14:12 states that, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” They did not have ears to hear or eyes to see ”the true Way,”—Jesus! Their path was “the way of death and destruction.” So, they crucified the “Lord of Life” and persecuted his church.
In persecuting the church, Paul was zealous as he worked against the purposes of God. He was also working against the plan that God had for his life. The more he oppressed God’s people, the more he sank deeper into the plan of Satan. Paul’s supernatural encounter with Jesus and subsequent blindness on that Damascus road was his prick that stopped him from “kicking against the goad.”
We, too, have to stop “kicking against the goad.” It is futile to continue to try to do everything in our own strength, according to our own plans. It is futile to think that our works will somehow bring answers to our prayers or fulfill kingdom purposes.
I have never intended to move against God’s will, my friends, but I have found myself, at times, “kicking against the goad.” The Lord always used pricks to get me back on course. We must “let go and let God” direct our paths. When we do that, all things will work for our good.
Be blessed.
Spiritual References:
Psalm 46:10 Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!
Colossians 3:2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
Jeremiah 39:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Be First to Comment