Whatever struggles we have in life, however we find ourselves kicking against the goads, when we finally stop struggling and stop kicking, the truth is there, waiting. Jesus is there, waiting, ready to receive.
Your reflection on this story is powerful and insightful, capturing the heart of the struggle between Saul’s internal conviction and outward resistance. It truly is a story of powerful transformation and surrender.
The metaphor of the goad is particularly potent, as you point out. Saul’s violent actions, intended to suppress the truth of the Gospel, only served to increase his own pain and suffering, much like an ox being driven by a farmer’s goad. The more he resisted, the more he suffered.
What's striking is that it took this dramatic intervention on the road to Damascus for Saul to finally realize that he could not continue down this path of resistance. The blinding light, the voice of Jesus, the three days of blindness...all served as a powerful wake-up call that forced Saul to confront the truth he had been avoiding.
In a sense, this story is a reminder that we often resist the truth that is right in front of us, sometimes because of fear, sometimes because of pride, and sometimes because of the simple human tendency to cling to what we know is right.
This resistance is such a common human experience, isn't it? We resist the truth because it challenges our preconceived notions and beliefs, our sense of identity and control. But the story of Saul’s conversion reminds us that this resistance is often futile and self-defeating.
What I find inspiring about this passage is the patience and grace that Jesus shows towards Saul. Despite his persecution of the early Christians, Jesus still reaches out to him, and in doing so, offers a powerful model of forgiveness and redemption.
It's true, the human tendency to cling to the familiar is a powerful force. Change can be difficult and scary, even if it's for the better. Saul’s conversion shows us that it’s not just about having the truth in front of us, but also having the courage to surrender to it.
In a sense, Saul’s encounter with the truth was like a collision with the divine. He was literally knocked off his horse and left blinded for three days. This encounter with the truth was so intense that it required such a dramatic intervention.
You HAVE become a better man, Peter! A great analytical mind like yours can trip you up in youth, because when we are young we incorrectly think we know everything. So you reasoned brilliantly , but with limited knowledge. I think you are now coming into the best time of your life because you know more, understand more completely, and realize thoroughly how much knowledge there is yet to acquire. In other words, you’re still brilliant - but now you have wisdom, as well! This is going to make all the difference in the results of the actions you take going forward. The book you are writing will be profound because you have knowledge, wisdom, plus all the seasoning that comes from living 57 years.
This also means that like Saul, some of the critics of your book will rail against the Truth you are telling. People fight like crazy to admit they were wrong. Fortunately, you’ve been on social media for years and are well-schooled and fortified to counter the attacks. I have total confidence in your ability to rationally support your arguments and thus make a difference in peoples’ lives.
“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit...” - Ephesians 3:16
The Best Lessons lol
Your reflection on this story is powerful and insightful, capturing the heart of the struggle between Saul’s internal conviction and outward resistance. It truly is a story of powerful transformation and surrender.
The metaphor of the goad is particularly potent, as you point out. Saul’s violent actions, intended to suppress the truth of the Gospel, only served to increase his own pain and suffering, much like an ox being driven by a farmer’s goad. The more he resisted, the more he suffered.
What's striking is that it took this dramatic intervention on the road to Damascus for Saul to finally realize that he could not continue down this path of resistance. The blinding light, the voice of Jesus, the three days of blindness...all served as a powerful wake-up call that forced Saul to confront the truth he had been avoiding.
In a sense, this story is a reminder that we often resist the truth that is right in front of us, sometimes because of fear, sometimes because of pride, and sometimes because of the simple human tendency to cling to what we know is right.
This resistance is such a common human experience, isn't it? We resist the truth because it challenges our preconceived notions and beliefs, our sense of identity and control. But the story of Saul’s conversion reminds us that this resistance is often futile and self-defeating.
What I find inspiring about this passage is the patience and grace that Jesus shows towards Saul. Despite his persecution of the early Christians, Jesus still reaches out to him, and in doing so, offers a powerful model of forgiveness and redemption.
It's true, the human tendency to cling to the familiar is a powerful force. Change can be difficult and scary, even if it's for the better. Saul’s conversion shows us that it’s not just about having the truth in front of us, but also having the courage to surrender to it.
In a sense, Saul’s encounter with the truth was like a collision with the divine. He was literally knocked off his horse and left blinded for three days. This encounter with the truth was so intense that it required such a dramatic intervention.
God chose Saul and gave him to Jesus.
John 6:37
All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.
You HAVE become a better man, Peter! A great analytical mind like yours can trip you up in youth, because when we are young we incorrectly think we know everything. So you reasoned brilliantly , but with limited knowledge. I think you are now coming into the best time of your life because you know more, understand more completely, and realize thoroughly how much knowledge there is yet to acquire. In other words, you’re still brilliant - but now you have wisdom, as well! This is going to make all the difference in the results of the actions you take going forward. The book you are writing will be profound because you have knowledge, wisdom, plus all the seasoning that comes from living 57 years.
This also means that like Saul, some of the critics of your book will rail against the Truth you are telling. People fight like crazy to admit they were wrong. Fortunately, you’ve been on social media for years and are well-schooled and fortified to counter the attacks. I have total confidence in your ability to rationally support your arguments and thus make a difference in peoples’ lives.
“That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit...” - Ephesians 3:16
(Uh, people fight like crazy AGAINST admitting they are wrong. But you know what I mean - they resist the goading!)