January 3

He Walked With God

Today’s Scripture Readings: Psalm 2:7-12 | Genesis 5:1-7:24 | Matthew 3:7- 4:11 | Proverbs 1:10-19

Today’s Scripture Focus: Genesis 5-7

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 (Genesis 5:21 NIV).

We really do not know a lot about Enoch. Though there is much speculation about him in extra-biblical literature, there are no stories of his life in the biblical text itself. But there is this incredible testimony: “Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” It makes me want to know more.

What we do know is that “he walked with God.” The phrase suggests that he lived with unusual intimacy with God. To walk with someone is to spend time with them, to converse with them over a long period of time, to enjoy the company of another on your journey. From what we gather, Enoch enjoyed spending time with God.

Apparently God enjoyed spending time with Enoch too. For the scripture indicates that because of his intimate relationship, he was taken to heaven without dying.  After 365 years of walking and talking with God on the earth, He was given the privilege of being translated into the presence of God—to enjoy his presence without the limitations of earthly existence.

There were others who walked with God too (Noah for example, which we also read about in this text), but Enoch was one of a select few who were transported into the very presence of God without dying. He had found a way to press in close to the heart of the Father.

I hope that you will press in close to the heart of the Father this year, pursuing intimacy with Him.  He desires to walk with you too.

Loving Heavenly Father, I press in close to your heart. I want to know you better. I long to know you intimately. Teach me to walk with you as Enoch, enjoying your presence both here and in eternity. In Jesus Name, Amen.