Today we’re taking a look at one of the most mysterious figures in the Bible, yet maybe one of the most well known: Enoch. His story can be found in Genesis 5, but our verses today come from Hebrews 11:
“By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death: “He could not be found, because God had taken him away.” For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God.”
What Genesis tells us is that Enoch lived for 365 years and in those years his walk was so close with God, he had so much faith in God, that God didn’t let him die but took him to heaven before he died. WOW! That’s faith!
Unfortunately, the Bible doesn’t tell us too much about him; we know he had kids and we know he was very close with God, but that’s about it. Yet I believe we can learn a couple of things from this man.
1-his faith made him special. You are no different. If you have faith in others and in God, you’re special too.
2-faith is an experience. Enoch’s walk of faith was short (comparatively speaking), yet it was such an experience that he had a different ending to his story than others of his time.
3-faith is best when in relationship. Faith isn’t something you do all by yourself, there has to be another something or someone in the equation. Even when we’re talking about having faith in yourself, if you have faith in yourself you’re working to build yourself up and support yourself.
4-faith is full of surprises. I’ll bet that Enoch never guessed he would leave Earth as soon as he did. You’ll never be able to guess the blessings that your faith can help you experience. There’s nothing like being part of someone’s healing or encouraging them in their faith journey. But it’s something you wouldn’t expect until you’ve become a person of faith.
I don’t know if Enoch was perfect, or if the big factor in his life was his strength of faith. But he shows that it’s possible for any ordinary man (or woman) to have faith that pleases God. What does Enoch’s story reveal to you about faith? Share your thoughts below.