Ecclesiastes 12:11

  ¹¹ The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one shepherd. 

Goads are sticks with sharp spike used by shepherds to guide adventurous sheep that may wander or stray away from the group. The sharp hook or spike may stimulate, hurt or irritate when the goad is pressed into animal skin, and the sheep react and follow where the shepherd leads. When sheep follow their shepherd, it won’t be necessary to use the goad.

Similarly, the words of the wise teacher King Solomon are like goads and useful to redirect when believers become adventurous and wander toward worldly lifestyle. The wise advice of King Solomon originated from God; and King Solomon had personally proven that it takes godly wisdom to practically apply such godly and wise counsel. With empowerment from the Lord, believers personalize the wise advice the wisest king of Israel. Without godly help, it is very natural for ordinary readers to ignore godly instructions.

When Christ instructed his disciples to proclaim the good news, it stated in Luke 9:1-3, ¹When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, ²and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. ³He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.” 

The ordinary mindset may argue, “Why should the disciple take nothing they need?” In comparison, obedient disciples enthusiastically obey according to the word of Christ our Shepherd and discover the power and authority inclusive to obedience. Interestingly, the Lord won’t reveal all details of his plan when he commands. He wants obedient disciples to personally discover the wonderful experience and benefits of obedience.

  Lord Jesus, help me seriously obey your word.

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