What happened: Fled from his father-in-law, Laban, after almost 20 years of service
What the escape accomplished: Allowed Jacob to return home for Isaac’s death and for reconciliation with Esau, his brother
Application: A time away from home often puts the really important things into perspective
What happened: Fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian in defense of a fellow Israelite
What the escape accomplished: Saved his own life and began another part of God’s training
Application: God fits even our mistakes into his plan
What happened: Escaped Egypt after 430 years, most of that time in slavery
What the escape accomplished: God confirmed his choice of Abraham’s descendants
Application: God will not forget his promises
What happened: Escaped searchers in Jericho by hiding in Rahab’s house
What the escape accomplished: Prepared the destruction of Jericho and preserved Rahab, who would become one of David’s ancestors—as well as an ancestor of Jesus
Application: God’s plan weaves lives together in a pattern beyond our understanding
What happened: Escaped undetected after assassinating the Moabite king Eglon
What the escape accomplished: Broke the control of Moab over Israel and began 80 years of peace
Application: Punishments by God are often swift and deadly
What happened: Escaped a locked city by ripping the gates from their hinges
What the escape accomplished: Merely postponed Samson’s self-destruction because of his lack of self-control
Application: Without dependence on God and his guidance, even great ability is wasted
What happened: Fled into the wilderness out of fear of Queen Jezebel
What the escape accomplished: Preserved Elijah’s life but also displayed his human weakness
Application: Even at moments of real success, our personal weaknesses are our greatest challenges
What happened: Lowered over the wall in a basket to get out of Damascus
What the escape accomplished: Saved this new Christian for great service to God
Application: God has a purpose for every life, which leads to a real adventure for those willing to cooperate
What happened: Freed from prison by an angel
What the escape accomplished: Saved Peter for God’s further plans for his life
Application: God can use extraordinary means to carry out his plan—often when we least expect it
What happened: Chains loosened and doors opened by an earthquake, but they chose not to leave the prison
What the escape accomplished: Pointed out the powerlessness of humans before God
Application: When our dependence and attention are focused on God rather than our problems, he is able to offer help in unexpected ways