Articles
THE GOAD
THE GOAD (David Weaks)
Jesus Christ told a thoroughly shocked and humbled Saul of Tarsus, "It is hard for you to kick against the goads" (Acts 9:5). Saul had spent all of his energy in the recent months persecuting Christians, and he was on the Road to Damascus with papers of authority from the chief priest to bring Christians bound to Jerusalem (vs. 1-2). Now, Saul found himself stricken blind and unable to do anything but listen to his Lord, for the first time. He was no longer kicking.
What did Jesus mean by the curious statement about kicking against the goads? He referred to the practice of farmers plowing with a yoke of oxen. A farmer would use a sharpened wooden stick to goad the oxen in the proper direction. The goad moved the oxen forward and in the proper path as the mindless animal learned that stopping suddenly, or moving out of the proper path would bring a sharp poke. If an ox became stubborn, the goad was meant to remind him who was in charge. It was in this vein that Jesus used the "goad" as a metaphor.
A goad can be good for us. Sometimes we need a sharp reminder of our duties, and of the path of godliness we should walk. The word of God is the Christian's goad because it shows him the right path well lit (Ps. 119:105). Reproof and rebuke can be a goad, because or reminds us we are "out of ranks" (1 Thess. 5:14). Gospel preaching is a "goad" in this way. Preachers are commanded to "reprove, rebuke, and exhort" in their declarations (2 Timothy 4:2). This gospel goad is a necessary part of the equation when one takes up the job of preaching. As Paul told Timothy, there are many people who do not endure sound doctrine, but have ears that itch for false teaching (vs. 3). People who are so deluded as to blindly follow false teachers (Mt. 15:14) need the powerful reminder of the gospel. Those who are rebellious will only be saved by the proper application of the goad.
Sometimes there are negative goads, which provoke us to turn away from the Lord. Sinners goad us into going with them in sin (Prov. 1:8-19). Lust filled women lead weak and lascivious men to their destruction (Prov. 7:1-27). Jezebel was able to goad her already wicked husband, Ahab, to even deeper depths of sin (1 Kings 16:31-33). Balaam, the son of Beor was the victim of his own greedy heart. His lust for wealth goaded him toward sin. Balaam was asked to curse Israel by Balak, the ruler of Moab, but God said "no" (Num. 22:12). Balak wouldn't take "no" for an answer and upped the reward he offered Balaam for his favor (vs. 16-17). Balaam told Balak's representatives that it was a no-go (vs. 18), but he also said for them to remain one more night while Balaam reasoned with God in the matter, hoping to receive the promised reward (vs. 19; 2 Pet. 2:15; Jude 11).
Be aware of the goads that are pricking at your heels. Follow where the Lord's goads direct you, but kick mightily against the likes of Jezebel.
