Kicking Against the Goads

Text: Acts 9:5; “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.” NKJV

1. Historical and Cultural Background

The phrase “kick against the goads” comes from ancient agricultural practice. A goad was a sharp pointed stick used by farmers to direct oxen while ploughing. When an ox resisted direction and kicked backward, it would strike the sharp goad and injure itself. The more it resisted, the more pain it experienced.

Jesus used this familiar image when speaking to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus. Saul believed he was serving God by persecuting Christians. Yet in reality, he was resisting the very God he claimed to serve. Christ’s statement reveals that Saul’s opposition was not just against believers, but against divine direction itself.

2. What the Statement Implies Spiritually

A. God Actively Directs Lives

The metaphor implies that God was already working in Saul’s heart before this encounter. The goads represent divine conviction, divine correction, and divine guidance. God had been pricking Saul’s conscience. Perhaps Stephen’s bold testimony in Acts 7 had unsettled him. Perhaps the unwavering faith of persecuted believers troubled him internally.

John 16:8 teaches that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Conviction is a goad. It is uncomfortable but purposeful. It is meant to redirect, not destroy.

Spiritually, kicking against the goads represents resisting God’s conviction and guidance.

Dear reader, in what way are you resisting God’s conviction and guidance in your life today?

B. Resistance Increases Personal Pain

Jesus was not saying Saul couldn’t resist Him. He was saying that resisting Him only made Saul’s life harder. Resistance to God does not stop His purposes, but it brings unnecessary struggle into our lives.

Proverbs 13:15 says, “The way of the transgressor is hard.” When a person continually rejects God’s Word, ignores correction, or suppresses conviction, they create internal conflict and external consequences.

Saul’s zeal without submission led him into spiritual blindness, literally and figuratively. When believers resist God’s promptings today, the result may be frustration, confusion, or spiritual dryness.

Dear reader, could the frustration, confusion and spiritual dryness in your life now be a consequence of you resisting God’s promptings?

C. Ignorance Does Not Eliminate Accountability

Saul was completely sincere, but his sincerity did not make him right. Even though he believed he was serving God, he was still opposing Him. Sincerity does not equal truth, and genuine passion does not protect someone from being wrong when their actions go against God’s will.

Romans 10:2 speaks of Israel having zeal for God but not according to knowledge. Spiritual resistance can hide behind religious activity. A person may serve in ministry, hold leadership positions, or be active in religious systems and still resist God’s deeper direction.

Kicking against the goads often looks like defending traditions over truth, protecting reputation over obedience, or clinging to personal ambition over divine assignment.

3. Practical Areas Where People Kick Against the Goads

Resisting Conviction

When Scripture exposes pride, immorality, unforgiveness, or dishonesty and we justify rather than repent, we are kicking against the goads.

Resisting Calling

God may stir someone toward ministry, reconciliation, generosity, or leadership responsibility. Fear or self-preservation can cause resistance. Jonah is another biblical example of someone who resisted divine direction and experienced avoidable hardship.

Resisting Correction

Hebrews 12:6 says, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens.”

-Correction is evidence of sonship. Rejecting godly discipline prolongs pain.

4. The Turning Point

Acts 9 reveals that Saul stopped resisting and surrendered. He responded, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

-This marks the end of resistance and the beginning of transformation. Submission turns persecution into purpose. The former opponent became the Apostle Paul.

5. Key Spiritual Principles to Consider

God’s conviction is an expression of love, not rejection.
Resistance to God brings unnecessary hardship.
Surrender leads to clarity, purpose, and alignment with destiny.
Spiritual maturity requires responsiveness to divine prompting.

Conclusion

“It is hard for you to kick against the goads” is both a warning and an invitation. God directs, corrects, and convicts for our good and for His glory. When we resist Him, we increase our struggle. When we yield, we discover purpose, peace, and power. The lesson is clear: divine direction is not meant to be fought, but followed.

Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I turn from my old ways and ask You to forgive me. Come into my heart, be my Lord and Saviour. Fill me with Your Spirit and help me live for You. Thank You for saving me, in Jesus Name. Amen“

Prayer: Father, in Your mercy, please forgive me in any area of life that I have resisted your divine promptings and warning. I surrender to You today. Please help me to discover Your purpose, peace and power for my life and destiny, in Jesus Name

Feast of Light Word Ministry

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