Why Kick the Goads?
In bible times ‘to kick against the goads‘ was a common expression typically referring to an ox lashing out and kicking back against the herder’s prodding. The more the beast would kick; the greater the likelihood the goad would stab into the flesh causing pain.
Jesus stated to Saul on the road to Damascus, “It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 9:5) Why would Jesus make such a statement and how was Saul kicking against the goads?
To answer these questions we must take a look into Saul’s background. He was born a freeman in the free Roman city of Tarsus of Cilicia. He was born of his mother and father both native Jews from the tribe of Benjamin closely attached and following the tribe of Judah. He even referred to himself as Pharisee and ‘a Hebrew of the Hebrews.’ (Philippians 3:5) (Acts 23:6)
He was educated in the schools of Tarsus in philosophy and Greek poetry. Later attending the university at Jerusalem to study divinity and Jewish Law under the tutelage of the Elder or Rabban Gamaliel I; who was a leading authority in the Sanhedrin in the early 1st century. (Acts 22:3)
As if all of this background and lineage weren’t enough; he also became skilled in the trade of tent-making. (Acts 18:3) All of these combined, serve to establish that Saul was undoubtedly not an idiot. He was well versed with his hands as well as his head.
Saul as a Pharisee and a part of the Sanhedrin knew Jesus and His teachings. We know that Saul lived in Jerusalem while attending university. We also know that Jesus addressed the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem calling them hypocrites along with a strong chiding.
Then
the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus,
saying, “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders?
For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” He answered and
said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God because
of your tradition? For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and
your mother’; and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him be put to
death.’ But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or mother, “Whatever
profit you might have received from me is a gift to God”— then he need
not honor his father or mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of
God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy
about you, saying: ‘These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And
honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain
they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ (Matthew 15:1-9)
Searing Conscience
We know this to be true because of the growing burning anger of Saul, the High Priests, and the Sanhedrin. In fact, this is the principle cause after Jesus’ death and resurrection that lead to Saul’s conversion to Christianity when he met the resurrected Jesus on the road to Damascus.
Then
Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the
Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the
synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way,
whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. As he
journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him
from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to
him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are
You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” (Acts 9:1-5)
Then He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’ (Acts 22:21)
Surrender
This changed man Paul, chose to quit fighting and kicking against the goads. Paul surrendered his life and self-will to Jesus. Paul was now destined to become a powerful Christian and witness for the Kingdom of God.
There are many denominations and religions that blatantly resist the proddings of Jesus. Some blasphemous sects even demand the belief in Jesus as a requirement for membership.
The Blasphemous Heretical issue comes from the fact that these false religions do not accept the proddings of Jesus as the Christ and risen savior. Jesus as deity in the Trinity that is One Monotheistic God.
These false religious belief systems kick against the goads that are meant to save their very souls from hell. They kick against the goads that wish to fulfill the voids in their hearts and minds.
Even the atheist kicks against the goads that numb their conscience to the majestic order of creation that surrounds their religious unbelief.
It isn’t just people’s religious beliefs; or the lack thereof, who are guilty of kicking against the goads. Rebellion against God comes in many forms. The rebellious problem comes from those who enjoy embracing the pain and take pride in the scars inflicted from kicking against the goads.
Satan’s Perversion
For
look! The wicked bend their bow, They make ready their arrow on the
string, That they may shoot secretly at the upright in heart. (Psalm 11:2)
But Jesus said to him, “Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.” (Matthew 26:52)
Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You are the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:5)
But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4)
Keep yourself far from a false matter; do not kill the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. (Exodus 23:7)
“Teacher,
which is the great commandment in the law?” Jesus said to him, “‘You
shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul,
and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And
the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On
these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
Not So Fast
My question is… “Are you really sure?”
Of Course Not! Anyone who sincerely pursues Jesus and being Christ-like must be earnestly re-evaluating their lives, thoughts, and actions.
This is why Jesus warns us to do our own head checks. We must think before we speak and evaluate whether we are in our flesh or representing Jesus as Christians. Jesus said, “Those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.”
When
He had called the multitude to Himself, He said to them, “Hear and
understand: Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes
out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” Then His disciples came and said
to Him, “Do You know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard
this saying?” But He answered and said, “Every plant which My heavenly
Father has not planted will be uprooted. Let them alone. They are blind
leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.” So
Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? Do you not yet
understand that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and is
eliminated? But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from
the heart, and they defile a man. For out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness,
blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man, but to eat with
unwashed hands does not defile a man.” (Matthew 15:10-20)
If you are completely honest with yourself and the Lord; you will feel the prick of the goad, seeking to reveal those things which stand between you and God.
Do not stifle the convictions that stab at your conscience. Every Pastor, Priest, Rabbi, Imam, and those who follow as members, congregation, or believers is guilty of kicking against the goads.
The truth of this statement is evidenced by the fact that not all denominations and belief systems can all be correct.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7)
Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, But he who hates correction is stupid. (Proverbs 12:1)
“It is hard for you to kick against the goads.”
