Early on in the Old Testament, after all the sad events connected with man's fall, the first great saint of God was Enoch. He is singled out in the New Testament as an outstanding man of God. This is what the Book of Genesis says about Enoch in Genesis 5:21 through 24:
“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.” (NIV)
The great, outstanding fact about the life of Enoch, as recorded for us in Scripture, is that Enoch walked with God and ultimately he just disappeared. Somebody said that one day after they'd walked together for 300 years, the Lord said to Enoch, "Well it's much nearer to my place than it is to yours; why don't you come on home with me," and Enoch was no more. But of course, that's just a theory.
Now, I want to take the New Testament picture of Enoch, in Hebrews 11:5, the commentary:
“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.” (NIV)
How did he please God? By walking with God. How did he walk with God? By faith. So that's God's purpose. It's God's invitation to share fellowship with Him, expressed in walking with Him.
Father, I would also like to be someone in whom you are delighted. Teach me to walk with you in faith - like Henoch, as good friends constantly connected with you in love, and to hear your voice. Amen!
