Ever wonder how you can best impact the people around you?  Walk with God. Ever question how you can have peace and joy on a day to day basis?  Walk with God. Tempted to think that’s an impossible standard?  Let me introduce you to Enoch.

Enoch is an incredibly unique Bible character.  Unlike Esther who has a whole book devoted to her story or Paul who shows up time and time again in the New Testament with life-changing things to say, Enoch only has a few verses dedicated to him.

The first time we read about him is in Genesis 5.  It’s a chapter full of who-begot-who and how long they went on to live.  There, sandwiched between who Enoch’s father was and who Enoch “begot” is this phrase, “…Enoch walked with God…”  (Gen. 5:22)  Then, verse 24 says it again, “Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him.”

In other words, Enoch walked with God – from Earth right into Heaven totally bypassing the death part!  Wouldn’t that have been a sight to behold! 

The other place in Scripture Enoch is mentioned is the “faith chapter” of Hebrews 11, which says, “ By faith Enoch was taken away so he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his removal he was approved, since he had pleased God.  Now without faith it is impossible to please God…” (vs. 5 & 6)

What strikes me every time I read about Enoch is the heart of this man and the simplicity of his story.  There are no deeds, activities, good works, or any other day-to-day records of what he DID.  No great miracle is recorded as happening by his hands; there is no account of his speaking boldly to any political leaders of that day; and not once is there any mention of soup kitchens and orphanages being set up because of his leadership.

There is only reference to his faith and the simple statement that “…without faith it is impossible to please God…”

How wondrously simple is that?

As Christ-followers, we can get side-tracked looking at our “works list” and wonder if we’ve accomplished enough to please God.  Yet here, nestled within the pages of Hebrews 11 is the very core of what always pleases God – faith!

Did Enoch have challenging days?  I’m sure he did; he was human.  Was Enoch tempted to doubt?  I’m sure he was; again, he was only human.   Did Enoch walk by faith?  Yes and THAT is what landed his story in the Scriptures – an example for us to follow.

How can you be like Enoch today and walk with God?

Until next time, Grace and Glory!