“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. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:5-6.
Only two people in history didn’t die: Enoch and Elijah. While numerous whole chapters of the Bible tell of Elijah’s adventures and accomplishments, only 10 verses mention Enoch — and many of those merely state genealogy. That makes me intensely curious about Enoch’s life.
A few short sentences sum up what we know about Enoch. Enoch walked with God (Genesis 5:22; 24). Enoch pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). God took Enoch away so that he didn’t experience death (Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5).
The writer of Hebrews provides a key to understanding Enoch’s life: Enoch pleased God by faith, faith in two simple things. First, Enoch believed God existed. Second, Enoch believed that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Because Enoch believed those two things, he spent the rest of his life earnestly seeking — or walking with — God.
Do you believe God exists? Do you believe God rewards those who seek Him? Our actions show what we really believe.
Those who don’t believe God rewards those who seek Him, frantically pursue temporary rewards like human approval, comfort, money, power, or pleasure. They try to build themselves a fortress of comforts because they rely only on themselves.
Those who believe that the best rewards possible come from God, spend their lives seeking and serving God.
Do you desire to walk with God? Do you want each day of your life to demonstrate your belief that God exists and wants you to seek Him?
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me through creation, through Your Word, and through Jesus Christ. I believe that You reward those who seek You. Like Enoch, I want to spend every day of my life walking with You. Amen.
Take Action
Review how you spend your time and the goals you are pursuing. Do they indicate that you believe God rewards those who seek Him, or that you believe you have to look after yourself? Ask God for faith to seek Him and His rewards as your chief priority.
Further Reading: Are You All In?