misery index

“It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” These were the words of Jesus to Saul (about to become Paul) when Saul’s plans were abruptly interrupted by divine intervention. Goads were pointed sticks used to prod oxen to press forward into their harness, pulling their attached load. The oxen quickly learned that kicking against the goads was a painful endeavor. Life for an ox became easier once submission to the master occurred.


Apparently Saul kicked against the goads in a metaphoric manner. What were the goads against which Saul kicked? What was it that caused him pain and discomfort? What was he resisting? We find the answer later in this account. The words of God to Ananias give insight into the Master’s plan for Saul – “for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel.”

Saul’s struggle against the Master’s plan resulted in nothing more than pain, frustration, and chaos, not only in Saul’s life but in the lives of those around him as well. During this struggle Saul continued to be a religious leader, a Pharisee of Pharisees, to use his words. His life was filled with religious activity and duty. In spite of the religious activity, he still resisted God’s will, his religiosity providing a cover for his rebellion

And so it is for us today – when we refuse to harmonize with God’s plan, we still find ourselves kicking against the goads in misery. Many Christians are most miserable because they refuse to submit to the hand of the Master. Like Saul, they may engage in a great deal of religious activity all the while kicking against the hand of God. And like Saul, they are most miserable.