Chapter 43
Yes, escapism can actually be found in various forms in the Bible, where individuals or even communities try to avoid their current reality through distractions, isolation, or by seeking out imagined futures instead of facing their immediate issues. Here are some interesting biblical examples that resemble escapism:
Jonah the Runaway Prophet – Picture this: God tells Jonah to go preach to the people of Nineveh. Jonah’s response? “Nah, I’ll just take the world’s first Mediterranean cruise instead!” Cue Jonah booking it to the nearest port, hopping on a boat to Tarshish, and telling himself, “I’m totally not avoiding my problems. Just… travelling.” But even on the high seas, God has a way of finding you—so in comes the storm, a panicked crew, and an enormous fish ready to give Jonah a serious (and slimy) wake-up call.
Israelites’ Love Affair with Egypt’s ‘Fine Cuisine’. So, the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt. Freedom! The open desert! …and the realization they’re all out of snacks. Almost immediately, they start romanticizing the “good old days” back in Egypt. “Ah, remember the fish? The cucumbers? Sure, we were slaves, but at least the food was decent!” Turns out, wandering the wilderness really makes you forget the whole “brick-making-under-the-whip” part.
False Prophets Selling Fairy Tales – Enter the false prophets, strolling in with messages like, “Everything’s fine! Peace is coming! Trust me!” Imagine them as ancient infomercial hosts: “Are you tired of doom and gloom prophecies? Try Our Super Peace and Prosperity Solution!” But behind the hype, things weren’t exactly rainbows and butterflies, and prophets like Jeremiah had to roll in with a reality check, breaking it to the people that ‘peace’ might not actually be “just three easy payments of some $ away.
The Prodigal Son’s Great Escape, is hardly the glamorous escape he envisioned. In a moment of clarity, he realizes that sometimes, the road back home is the true escape from the chaos we create for ourselves.
Elijah’s Wilderness Retreat, After a showdown with the prophets of Baal, Elijah finds himself on the run, consumed by fear and despair. But God, ever the compassionate caretaker, sends an angel with food and encouragement, showing that true refuge often comes not from isolation but from divine support.
Peter’s Return to Fishing – After the chaos of Jesus’ crucifixion, what does Peter do? He goes back to his old life as a fisherman, soothing but ultimately unfulfilling. Jesus eventually meets Peter on the shore, cooking breakfast and inviting him to step out of his comfort zone.
Sometimes, the urge to escape our challenges leads us back to places we thought we’d outgrown, but growth often happens when we face our calling head-on.
Escapism is often a journey toward deeper understanding. While each character sought to escape their reality, their encounters with God, whether through storms, wilderness, or reminders of purpose-led them back to the path of growth and fulfilment.
Let us neither embrace the chaos nor seek to escape it, but instead strive to navigate through it as the path becomes uncertain, drawing upon faith in God’s great mercy to guide us forward.
Philemon