It is written in the book of Genesis that “Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.” (5:24).
Who was Enoch? Enoch was the father of Methuselah, whose fame in the Bible is being the oldest recorded human, living to the ripe old age of 969. By way of setting the time, Methuselah fathered Lamech, who was to become the father of Noah.
It is evident that Enoch and God had a very special relationship. It is said that Enoch “walked” with God. This is very significant. Remember that after the creation, as time continued on, the people of the world became increasingly wicked. They did not acknowledge or respect God, never mind embracing Him in gratitude and love. Remember, God created human beings for His enjoyment; for friendship, companionship, for a relationship of love of the most intimate and exquisite kind that can ever be imagined.
“I love those who love Me, and those who diligently seek Me, find Me.” Prov 8:17
Enoch lived in a culture that was hostile to God. The influence and prevalence of sin was marching steadily on the path that would eventually lead God to destroy His creation with the worldwide flood.
“The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled.” Genesis 6:6
Noah, Enoch’s grandson - and his immediate family - were the only humans saved from this apocalypse.
So that sets the stage. Enoch “got” God. He loved God. He “walked with God.”
Listening to a message by Pastor John MacArthur a while back he mentioned the Puritan preacher Richard Baxter and his book Walking with God. I ordered a copy, and it is truly a treasure when it comes to delving into the true richness of undisturbed communion with God on a daily basis throughout the duration of our time on this earth. I highly recommend it.
He makes many excellent points, but this is one I particularly shine to because
it speaks to how once person comes to Christ it immediately nails down life’s one priority:
“Moreover, you are made for the glory of your Creator and must apply yourselves wholly to glorify him in the world; you must make His service the trade and business of your lives and not put Him off with something on the by. You are good for nothing else but to serve Him; as a knife is made to cut, as your clothes are made to cover you, and your meat to feed you, and your horse to labour for you; so you are made, and redeemed, and maintained for this, to love and please your great Creator. And can you think that it is but little business that you have with him, when He is the End and Master of your lives, and all you are or have is for Him?”
So “Enoch walked with God and was not, for God took Him.” Enoch was in such perfect fellowship with his Creator that one day as they were walking and talking together, God took him to be with Him forever out of the wicked world but without undergoing the normal process of physical death. Only one other person in history was taken into the presence of God in all His glory without tasting death, and that was Elijah, taken up in a chariot of fire.
I find it beyond thrilling that the God of the universe, the eternal Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, is looking forward to spending this day – today – with… ME! So that we can enjoy it and work through it together. It seems too good to be true, but… it is!
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