Lent2026: Kick Against the Pricks

"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

Acts 26:14

The phrase "kick against the pricks" (used in the King James Version) comes from an ancient agricultural metaphor. To understand it, we have to look at how farming worked in the 1st century.

A "prick" (or goad) was a long wooden pole with a sharp metal point at one end. Farmers used it to "nudge" oxen while they were plowing a field.

If the ox became stubborn or tried to go in its own direction, the farmer would prick its hindquarters with the point.

If the ox reacted by kicking back against the goad, it would only drive the sharp metal deeper into its own flesh.

The Meaning in Acts 26:14

When Jesus speaks to Saul (who later became Paul) on the road to Damascus, He says:

"Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks."

In this context, the "pricks" represent Saul’s own conscience and the divine prompting of God. Saul was fighting against the message of Jesus, but his resistance was only causing him more internal pain and struggle.

The three main takeaways are:

A. Useless Resistance: Just as an ox cannot win a fight against a sharpened pole, a human cannot successfully fight against the will of God.

B. Self-Inflicted Pain: By "kicking back," Saul wasn't hurting God; he was only hurting himself. The more he resisted his calling, the more "pierced" his conscience became.

C. The Turning Point: This was Jesus essentially saying, "You are exhausted from fighting me. Why not just follow the path I've set?"

The metaphor suggests that God’s "prodding" isn't meant to be cruel, but to keep the "ox" (the person) on the right path so the work can be done. Resisting that direction is what leads to the most suffering.

It is fascinating to look at the immediate aftermath of Paul’s conversion because it wasn't just a change of mind—it was a total structural collapse and rebuild of his identity.

​The "hunter" became the "helpless."

​As we come to the close of Lent 2026, have we used the opportunity to "hear" Him and make the change? Or are we still "kicking against the Pricks"? 

Monday Reset: A friend in Need

"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble."

Psalm 46:1 emphasizes that God provides protection, strength, and immediate assistance in times of difficulty (Bible Gateway, NIV). The verse portrays God as a refuge, a safe place where believers can find shelter from life's challenges, and as strength, offering the power and courage to endure trials (Bible Study Tools). The phrase "ever-present help" highlights that God is constantly available, not limited by time or circumstance, ready to support those in need (Connectus Fund).

Today, lets consider Psalm 46:1 and what it means for us. 

How do we look at this psalm? As just another poem? As something far off? As a promise we distantly believe in? All of the above?

Probably the last. The problem is God is a spirit and we humans, consciously or subconsciously, believe the physical.

How then do we see the reality of the promise in Psalm 46:1?

God works through people. Like you and me. He uses us as instruments of His purpose. He sends us to those in need to be his representative and sends people to us in our need. He uses us to comfort each other physically while the Holy Spirit comforts us and strengthens us in the spirit. These are opportunities for us to be instruments of His purpose.

Therefore we need to be aware and conscious of opportunities to be used and pray to Him when we have a need so that He assigns and directs people and situations.

For this reason, the manifestation of Psalm 46:1 is very real and clear for those who open their eyes to each other and hearts to the Holy Spirit of God.

This week, look for opportunities to be used for someone's need and also look for people who help in our need. Ask for comfort from the Holy Spirit and peace in all situations.