We have been looking at Paul’s life pre-conversion. Many people touched his life as he violently went around “breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples” (Acts 9:1). Only God knows how many of those Paul was persecuting were actually being used of God to touch his life with an authentic witness. 

 

Paul told King Agrippa in Acts 26 that Jesus confronted him on the road to Damascus saying, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” This was a common expression back then coming from the practice of farmers using sharpened sticks to prick or goad a stubborn ox to move. At times the ox would kick against the sharp stick only to hurt themselves. As Paul was persecuting Christians he was only hurting himself. 

 

In addition he was hurting Jesus who is intimately associated with everything his church is experiencing. C.S. Lewis likened God’s conquering work of Saul’s rebel will to a divine chess player systematically, patiently maneuvering his opponent into a corner until finally he concedes, “Checkmate.”  

 

If you like Paul are resisting the convicting work of God through the testimony of Christians don’t put off surrender to Jesus. Especially if you feel as though you have been checkmated by God’s loving pursuit. Bow before Jesus and ask Him in prayer to forgive your sin and come into your life as Savior. 

 

Paul never regretted the impact others had on his life during those pre-conversion encounters. He often referred to them as he gave his testimony of how he became a follower of Jesus.