“Steadfastness is a noble quality, but unguided by knowledge or humility, it becomes rashness, or obstinacy.” — Aaron Swartz
“Rebellion without truth is like spring in a bleak, arid desert.” – Khalil Gibran
Rebellion has a unique karma all its own. The pleasure it provides and the false sense of independence it stirs within us has a way of lingering and lasting – sometimes coaxing us to continue our defiant ways. But once the consequences connected to rebellion kick in, they have an irrevocable and permanent characteristic to them – scarring our future in a way that keeps their memory alive and their effects enduring.
Saul (the Apostle Paul before his conversion) was steadfast in his rebellion – “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1)
Saul thought his actions were far from rebellious. He believed the Way represented a force that was out to destroy his Jewish faith. Killing, imprisoning, or persecuting Christians was something he felt needed to be done – a righteous and noble act.
It’s funny how each of us can twist our own rebellion into something virtuous or just. Maybe you needed to have that affair because it just wasn’t right how your spouse was neglecting you. The friend you abandoned deserved to be left behind by the inappropriate way they treated you. Stealing things at work is simply a way to even out how your company abused and underpaid you. Gambling is the only way you can possibly get out of your debt and eventually afford the things you need and desire. Life is too hard to deal with, so taking drugs is the only way you can cope and stay halfway sane.
But all of a sudden, the unique karma connected to rebellion kicks in. For Saul, it ended on the road to Damascus – a trip he was making to round up men and women who were a part of the Way and bring them back to Jerusalem for imprisonment and persecution.
God had enough, and like in the case of Saul, his rebellion ended abruptly – without notice or warning.
A blinding, vibrant light shown from heaven – knocking Saul to the ground. At once he heard a voice saying, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” Saul asked, “Who are you?” Then the voice said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It must be hard for you to kick against the goads.” – Acts 9:5 NKJV
The Amplified Bible translation of this verse says, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is dangerous and it turns out badly for you to keep kicking against the goad – that is, to offer vain and perilous resistance.”
Back in that day, an ox goad was a long stick with a piece of sharpened iron on one end – used to prod or steer an ox in the direction you wanted him to head. If the ox kicked back in defiance, the goad would usually penetrate the flesh deeper. The more the ox rebelled, the more it suffered.
Are you currently kicking against the goads – offering vain and perilous resistance to God’s intended direction for your life? Do you keep behaving or acting in a way that is counter to Godly principles thinking your rebellion is justified? Are you currently in the pleasurable, independent stage of rebellion – feeling no ill effects or consequences yet?
When do you think your rebellion will abruptly end? Have you thought about what things will look and feel like when the irrevocable consequences take effect?
Has your rebellion caused more suffering – pain inflicted on others close to you or a deeper affliction and difficulty in your own life as a result of you “kicking back” – wanting things your own way and on your own terms?
I love how the Scripture verse above shows Christ’s compassion for those affected by the rebellion of others and for the perpetrator of the rebellion itself.
Saul wasn’t persecuting Jesus. He was persecuting Christians – members of the Way. But He told Saul, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.” – connecting with and becoming one with the victim!
“And the King will reply to them, ‘Truly, I tell you, in as far as you did it to one of the least [in the estimation of men] of these My brethren, you did it to Me!” – Matthew 25:40 Amplified Bible
If you are rebelling against a spouse or mate, a friend or company, if your rebellion is affecting your children, family, and close associates, it’s as if you are persecuting Christ Himself!
If you are a victim of someone’s rebellion, know that God is taking it personally – defending your honor and making all things right in the end.
Maybe you are the one doing the rebelling. Like Saul, you are instigating the revolt or disobedience. You are the one who is kicking against the goad – rebelling against God’s principles and good plans for your life right now – feeling justified in the process.
Notice how Christ doesn’t tell Saul, “STOP kicking against the goad!” or “Kick against the goads one more time and you’ve had it!”
No, He has compassion on Saul, telling him it must be hard to rebel – knowing that kicking against the goads only causes more suffering. God loves you and the last thing He wants is more suffering and pain in your life.
If you are in a state of rebellion right now, know that God wants you to stop suffering. He is trying to steer you in a direction that fulfills His purposes for your life – a destiny larger than you can imagine and a legacy that will last for generations to come!
Your legacy and destiny are too great, and God is too loving to allow your rebellion to continue. He won’t stop steering you the direction you need to go! As long as you rebel, as long as you keep kicking against the goads, you are only hurting yourself and others in a deeper, more lasting way.
You may be thinking…
“I’ve been in a constant state of rebellion my whole life. God can’t possibly forgive me or repair the damage I’ve done to myself and others now. It’s too late.”
If you are feeling like this my friend, look at what happened to Saul! Saul became the Apostle Paul – the man responsible for writing almost half of the 27 books in the New Testament! With God, no rebellion is too difficult to overcome, no disobedience too overwhelming to forgive, and no hurt or suffering too great to heal and restore.
Lord,
Help each of us tonight to recognize any rebellion that is present in our life. Help us to see how kicking against the goads only causes more suffering and pain. Thank you for steering us – for guiding us in the direction of our destiny! Thank you for your power to restore and heal any damage we’ve done by rebelling against your will for us. Thank you for your compassion, mercy and grace as we strive to live a life pleasing to you – fulfilling your good plans and purposes for us!
Amen
God bless you tonight and always my friends 🙂
