“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.” (Hebrews 11:1-2 NKJV)
“By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, “and was not found, because God had taken him”; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5 NKJV)
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
There is not much written about Enoch, but what is written is very powerful. He had such a close relationship with the Lord that they would take afternoon walks together. It reminds me of afternoons in the Garden of Eden prior to sin. Enoch’s example shows me that it is possible to experience a “pre-sin” relationship with my Heavenly Father even in a “post-sin” world. I do not need to settle for, or accept, anything less than a Garden of Eden level relationship with my Father.
Enoch was spared tasting death because he “pleased God.” What pleased God was not actions or activities, but relationship. This reminds me of the passage in which Jesus visited Martha and Mary. Martha was caught up in activity for the Lord, and Mary simply set at Jesus’s feet and drank in her relationship with the Lord. Jesus said that Mary chose the better way.
As I run this race of life the most important things will always enhance my relationship with the Lord.
Side Note: The idea that God “takes people home” by killing them is a lie of the devil that he has placed within the deception of religion. The Lord welcomes with open arms all of His children regardless of how they die, but if He decides to take me home He will rapture me and I will bypass death.
Race Tips From Enoch:
- Always expect to win
- Believe that hard work pays off
- Trusting your Coach is essential for success
- Nothing is impossible
Let’s ponder…
…Eric’s Life Lesson # 178: “I will run a victorious “life-race” if I will learn the “life-lessons” of those witnesses who gave testimony of how to win the race.” Part 4: Enoch