“Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. 4 Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And 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.” 6 So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?”” Acts 9:1-6 NKJV
Father God,
Here is a man thinking he is doing good by putting people to death because they were being unfaithful to You, Yahweh. He was fixated with judgement and no mercy. Carrying out the letter of the Law and not the heart of it. Yet You pursued him. How do we know? Because You said You have been prodding him and he has kicked against Your prods up to now. (A goad being a pointed stick used to make a working beast do what it was told). But like a stubborn oxen goaded with a stick, He tells Paul clearly that he cannot win! Paul was now given the choice to make an about turn, (repent – a Roman army term for about face)), and follow God’s leading or go on being blind . . .
This is the point at which Paul realises God is not just in Words and obedience – but is real and wants a relationship. At this point he did not know or fully realise all that would entail. But he chose to follow, obey and find out.
We all have that choice even if there are no bright lights and no voice. For some it is more like crossing over a line into Your Kingdom God. Or choosing to belong to You and asking You to forgive our past disbelief and sin. For me it was the sensation that You, God were real and approachable and willing to be there for me when no one else was. Who loved me despite my mess.
And Pauls response? “Lord what do You want me to do?” It is humble, willing, open, selfless. Jesus in Luke 9:62 reminds us “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” Help us to keep it simple each day, with, what do You want me to do? And I joy that somewhere today someone has made the choice, repented and followed You and found life.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 21st November 2025
Worthy of every song we could ever sing
Worthy of all the praise we could ever bring
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, oh, we live for You
Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One who could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, we live for You
Holy, there is no one like You
There is none beside You
Open up my eyes in wonder
Show me who You are
And fill me with Your heart
And lead me in Your love to those around me
Jesus, the Name above every other name
Jesus, the only One who could ever save
Worthy of every breath we could ever breathe
We live for You, oh, we live for You
Chorus
And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken
And I will build my life upon Your love
It is a firm foundation
And I will put my trust in You alone
And I will not be shaken
Chorus
Lyrics: Matthew James Redman, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Brett Steven Younker, Joseph Patrick, Martin Barrett