The running of the bulls is an annual event that dates back to the 14th century. This tradition originated from the need to transport bulls from the offsite livestock enclosures to the bull fighting ring within Spanish cities. The Running of the Bulls was made famous outside of Spain in 1926 when Ernest Hemingway released The Sun Also Rises. This novel details this July 7th summer festival where six to ten calves are released behind individuals running for their lives through enclosed streets.
They stirred up the crowd and the city authorities who heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security (bail) from Jason and the others, they let them go. The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea; and when they arrived, they entered the Jewish synagogue, Acts 17:8-10.
As a first century missionary, the apostle Paul made a habit of running for his life. Each trip began at a local synagogue, going through the Old Testament to reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah. Most of these discussions were civil until some of his listeners converted to Christianity. These spiritual decisions ignited spirits of anger, envy and jealousy, stirring up anti-Christian mobs. In the passage above, Paul and Silas fled Thessalonica in darkness. Meanwhile, in the passage below, Paul was escorted to a ship, sailing away as far as possible from harm.
But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God [concerning eternal salvation through faith in Christ] had also been preached by Paul at Berea, they came there too, agitating and disturbing the crowds. 14 So at that time the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go as far as the sea; but Silas and Timothy remained there [at Berea]. 15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens; and [after] receiving instructions [from Paul] for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible, they left, Acts 17:13-15.
Unfortunately, the process of running for your life sometimes involves turning your back on God. Jonah refused God’s calling to Nineveh, sailing away in the complete opposite direction until a storm forced his return into a whale which escorted this runner back on track. When I lost my teaching job of ten years, I ran around in circles for nearly two years before landing at Amazon. Now that I am comfortable after seven years, perhaps it’s time to run for my life, escaping this comfort zone for a new adventure or challenge. As I listen for God’s still voice, I must be open to run with perseverance just as Hebrews 12:1 suggests.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 