"And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him."
The Bible says that all are destined to die because of sin. “The wages of sin is death!” The curse of death is working in us from birth, and will prevail as we remain in our stubborn, ungodly, self-centered world, refusing to come under God’s authority in every part of life. Today, not many seem to have the fear of God and His soon approaching Judgment Day. Like Adam and Eve, most do not want to walk with God, but would rather reject Him and His authority to govern their own lives. Most claim freedom while still a slave in their sin, blinded to their chains of death that keep them unsatisfied.
Enoch was a man who initiated change by discipline. Not by trying to be good, but by a constant walk of faith in the only Holy God who would give His all for the sins of the world through the death of His own Son, Jesus Christ. Enoch had received this “fresh start” of new life in Christ, and had now moved on, walking in faith that God would finish the work that He had started in him. Enoch agreed with his God concerning sin. “Can two walk together unless they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3) He was then sent into a very dark world, walking with God all the way, a preacher of right living, turning them from their immorality unto a Holy God. “Convincing all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have committed in an ungodly way and all the harsh things which ungodly sinners have spoken against Him. These are grumblers complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage.” (See Jude) He cried out against the sin not because he was being mean or unloving. No, it was the opposite; because he loved them with God’s love, not wanting any to perish but to have everlasting life!
Enoch pleased God in his walk of faith, and the Bible says that God “took him”. He never experienced the curse of death! He had entered eternity without death prevailing! Death was all around him, yet he was not swallowed up in it. No! Death had no claim in him! “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57) Without the walk of faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. (See Hebrews 11:5-6) No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11b) PEACE with God!
~ Ruth Ann Ward
