There are many interesting and colorful characters in the Bible. Some model what is bad and many model what is good and right. Some, like Abraham and Moses and David, are mentioned many more times than anyone else, except the Lord Jesus Himself. We are edified and instructed as we ponder their lives and examples and hear what the Spirit is saying.

One such character who shows up early in the book of Genesis is the man called Enoch. He appears several times in the genealogical timeline. But then there is a little four-word phrase about him that inspires and quickens the heart of those with a heart for God: “Enoch walked with God.” Nothing more is said about what form that took, what his particular disciplines and practices were. Just, “Enoch walked with God.” The result of this is the next three words: “God took him,” to describe the phenomenon of his passing into heaven by a means other than death. We call this “translation.” The only followup to this is in Hebrews 11:5 where it states that before he was translated “he pleased God.”

So what does that have to do with us? Much, in light of an understanding of the gospel. I thought of this Genesis account as a teaser to make it attractive to us to do as Enoch did. The Apostle Paul prayed for the Colossians, asking God to “fill them with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual understanding.” Further, he asked that they would know the results of this, which is living a life worthy of the Lord who loves us, and as one version puts it, “unto all pleasing.” That sounds Enochian to me.

How many of us who grew up in this fellowship were thrilled in our youth on Sabbath eves by singing about “Enoch’s Sabbatic Life.” And I’m further thrilled to know that some of my grandchildren with their families are making use of the same song on Friday evenings as they welcome the Sabbath. We understand that this thought of walking with God was foundational to the author’s understanding. We are told that after his salvation experience, as he pondered what path his life should take, the example of Enoch gripped him. His conclusion was something like this: “I may not be great, but I can be good. Enoch walked with God, and so can I.”The words of the song bear repeating.

In ancient days one walked with God—a prophet true was he—
His days on earth were but a part of all eternity.

The seventh day a Sabbath is, when, each day’s work complete,
An honest week behind is seen: and, “Good” the Voice repeats.

And such a life is “solemn rest” To the High and Holy One,
Beholding from afar each man whose weekly work is done.

If you would have such days on earth as make eternity,
The atmosphere above let down—a Sabbath true ‘twill be.

And then the chorus sums it up:

So let me walk in snowy white wherever I may be,
That Enoch’s God shall have delight as I walk in white with Thee.

Blessings to all this evening!