Coping with Social Collapse (10) - Fleeing

Fleeing Trouble
Paul often fled a city when trouble was stirred up.

They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium (Acts 13:50-51).

There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them. But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country (Acts 14:5-6).

They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe (Acts 14:19-20).

When social chaos is confined to one region, fleeing trouble is a sensible response.

Migration
In some situations, migration may be the best option. Jacob found protection by moving away from Esau. Jacob found protection from a famine by migrating to Egypt (Gen 46:5-7). The problem with this option is that migrants can be treated badly. Jacob was cheated by his Uncle Laban. The Egyptians eventually enslaved the children of Israel. Christians should only migrate to escape trouble, if they have clear guidance from God. Migration from the frying pan to the fire is not wise.

Jesus' family migrated to Egypt to escape the persecution of King Herod.

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod (Matt 2:14).

Jesus was kept safe, when all other children were being slaughtered.

Powerful Benefactors
God will sometimes raise up a powerful benefactor to protect people who have migrated to another country. Joseph was rescued from prison by Pharaoh (Gen 41). Nehemiah was protected by Artaxerxes king of Persia. Joseph and Nehemiah were raised up by political leaders who recognised their wisdom, diligence and honesty in the way they fulfilled their calling. This suggests that Christians should always be diligent and honest when doing their work, especially if they are working for people with power and influence. If Joseph had been bitter, twisted and lazy, God might not have been able to protect him.

Depending on a powerful benefactor can be risky. The Egyptians eventually turned against Joseph’s descendants. Martin Luther was protected by Fredrick the Frederick the Wise, the Elector of Saxony. Luther gained freedom to proclaim the gospel, but he had to compromise on political issues. When trusting powerful protectors, Christians should be careful that they do not compromise God’s standards.