Walking with God

 

When Enoch had 65 lived years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. (Genesis 5:21-23 ESV).

 

It may seem like we are in the midst of an endorsement for an ancestry search website, however, I have found it very encouraging to sift through the names of the Old Testament genealogies. Our reading today is from a much longer list than the reference of Enoch. When we read this genealogy, we learn that Enoch was the father of the oldest man in the Bible. More importantly, Enoch is the only one in this list of names who doesn’t follow this pattern: “he lived… and then he died.” Instead, the Bible says, “Enoch walked faithfully with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.”

 

The Bible gives us a clear hint. Twice we are told that Enoch “walked faithfully with God.” The word “walked” here indicates a special relationship between God and Enoch, and Enoch did not die. After reading how each generation died, it’s awesome to read of this man, Enoch, who walked with God and then was “taken” to be with God.

 

It seems this is a key principle for us to understand in our own journey. It begins with a realization of one of the key principles of the incarnation. Jesus was the fulfillment of the prophesy that “Immanuel” would be one of the names of the Son of God. It means “God with us.” Just one of the conclusions we may draw from this truth is that God is literally “with us.” I find that comforting. No longer does the presence of God depend on my effort or works. He walks with us. That means I merely need follow Him.

 

Jesus bridges the gap between us and God so that we can walk with him not only today but forever, like Enoch. That is why Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). Christmas is a celebration that I have the full eternal presence of God with me every moment of every day. When I face any challenge I can know that Jesus is with me. Together we may overcome anything. What a gift!