In the very first chapters of Genesis, we read of an enigmatic character, Enoch. Though we know little about him now, it seems that Enoch was well-known in Jesus’ time, as the New Testament book of Jude records a prophecy received by him in relation to the Latter Days. 1 This patriarch (born only seven generations after Adam) was also the father of the person who lived the longest in the Bible, Methuselah. 2
The most interesting thing regarding Enoch is found in Genesis 5:24: “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” 3
“Walked with God”—what do you think of when you hear that phrase?
- Walking with God depicts harmony. “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” 4 When we are walking with someone, we are usually side by side. We try not to go ahead or lag behind. Learning to walk in step with God is a lifetime adventure.
- Walking with God is also symbolic of communing with God. Many of the great thinkers and writers, such as Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Thomas Jefferson, and Søren Kierkegaard, habitually went on walks for contemplation. Adam and Eve communed daily with God, walking in the Garden of Eden. 5
- Walking with God is a way of life. The Bible tells us to “walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us” 6 and to “walk by faith, not by sight.” 7 It also says to walk honestly, 8 walk in truth, 9 walk in light, 10 and walk in wisdom. 11 All of which is summed up simply by saying to walk in Christ. 12
Paul wrote of the life of Enoch, saying, “It was by faith that Enoch was taken up to heaven without dying—‘he disappeared, because God took him.’ For before he was taken up, he was known as a person who pleased God.” 13 Enoch pleased God so much that it seems one day he just walked with God straight into heaven.
A life pleasing to God is a simple life of walking in communion with our Creator until one day we finish our journey in this world and safely arrive at our heavenly home.
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Start your walk with God today by inviting His Son, Jesus, into your life.
I want to get to know You better, Jesus. Please come into my heart, stay by my side, and accompany me always. Amen