Imagine strolling with God at the end of your day. You share your thoughts, concerns, and joys—like always. But on this day, when you turn to go home, God says, “How ‘bout coming home with me?”
Photo by: Jason Rogers
Something like that happened to Enoch. Enoch is the second example of faith listed in Hebrews 11. His name means “dedicated.” Enoch serves as an exciting example to us in two ways.
“21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked faithfully with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived a total of 365 years. 24 Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Gen. 5:18-24, NIV).
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We can walk with God.
Enoch shows us we can walk with God. God created us to enjoy a relationship with Him. Walking with Him is what we were made for. Doing so blesses both God and us.
Think about your best friend. Why do you enjoy spending time with him or her? Is it because of what they do for you? Or is it because of who they are? I bet it’s the second. We can hire people to serve us. But we can’t buy true friendship or love.
God wants a friendship with us. He wants to share life with us. Our doing so is an expression of faith. And faith pleases Him.
When we walk with God, we gain wisdom, insight, and understanding. He let Enoch know about future events (Jude 14-23). This knowledge equipped Enoch for his prophetic ministry.
I know I long to know and please God. I bet you do too. How do we walk with God and develop a friendship with someone who is invisible?
Here are some practical aspects on how to walk with God.
Walk:
- in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). Learn to rely on the Holy Spirit.
- in truth (3 John 4).
- in love (Ephesians 5:2).
- in light (Ephesians 5:8). Have nothing to do with deeds of darkness.
- in wisdom, not in foolishness (Ephesians 5:15).
- by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
- as He walked (1 John 2:6). Jesus was about His Father’s business.
A child learns to walk by practicing. In the beginning she falls down more than she walks. She clings to supports. But soon she is scampering around in joy.
When our babies learned to walk, we didn’t scold them for falling. We applauded them for trying. Our heavenly Father does the same for us.
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We won’t all die.
Yep, you read that right. Abel, the first example of faith, was murdered because of his faith. Enoch skipped death all together. Enoch is a precursor of the rapture of the saints.
The second coming that Enoch foretold is on the horizon. The Lord will return to execute judgment. But He has promised to take those who faithfully walk with Him straight to heaven. If we’re alive at that time, like Enoch, we’ll escape death (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
Walking faithfully with God does not necessarily mean we accomplish heroic feats in the eyes of the world. Sharing life with God is spectacular enough and carries with it some sensational benefits.
What about Enoch or walking with God inspires you? Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Email: LighthouseMinistries@mac.com
Debbie Enoch’s whole story inspires me and so does your post. I believe the time when some will follow in Enoch’s footsteps is approaching quickly. It makes me want to draw closer and closer to God and only bring Him glory!
Amen, Ann!
Awesome post debbie! I love the way you provide scripture for our own study:)
Thanks, Stephanie. I always like to be able to go farther in my study if I’m so inclined. I think it’s great we can go there with a click of the mouse.