* The “goad” is a long pole or stick with a pointed end.

* Farmers use it to prod oxen along.

* When a stubborn ox kicks back from the discomfort they could injure themselves.

* The goad is made for an ox only - often called an “oxgoad.”

* It’s designed to make the cows uncomfortable so they start moving in the right direction.

* Shepherds used staffs, but cow farmers use a goad.

* Cows are more difficult to corral and have tougher skin.

* Jesus was telling Saul that he was only hurting himself by resisting the truth of Jesus Christ.

* The truth of God is a like a goad - it is designed to prod us into the right direction.

* But it is uncomfortable, so we sometimes kick against it by rejecting the truth.

* If we do we only hurt ourselves, then we’ll blame God for it.

* Saul eventually got it right. Will we?