Arise, Go, Do

He heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

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.” So, he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”

Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” [1]

In what ways are we intentionally or unintentionally persecuting Jesus! Is He not who we expected Him to be? Are we afraid to have a close relationship with Him?

Saul of Tarsus was kicking against the goads. Goads are used to keep a sheep on the right path. Saul was not just drawing outside the lines; he was trying to erase them. He was kicking the lines, that is, until he met Jesus.

After Saul met Jesus personally, he was humble. He called Jesus Lord. He wanted to arise, go, and do for Jesus. He followed the Good Shepherd.

“Lord Jesus, please forgive us for kicking against the goads. Please fill afresh and anoint us with Your Holy Spirit to arise, go and do Your will... to be Your disciples and to be Your disciple-makers like the Apostle Paul (formerly known as Saul). It is in Your mighty Name that I pray. Amen.”

[1] Acts 9:4-6