READ: Gen. 5:21-24; Jud. 11-15.
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. – Heb. 11:5
In a godless world, dominated by the descendants of Cain, Enoch lives, four generations after Enosh. He is the grandfather of Noah. Enoch is mentioned twice as someone who walked with God. In this, Enoch distinguished himself from other members of the church. His covenant life with and for the LORD determined his life on earth.
This is remarkable in the climate of secularization discussed in chapter 6. Mixed marriages were found in the church. The seed of women mixed with the seed of the serpent and so, the church also became worldly.
However, in marriage, family, church, and work, Enoch’s life was characterized by intimate fellowship with the LORD. He did not withdraw from ordinary life; he fathered sons and daughters to raise them in the fear of the Lord and to build the church on the path to the fulfillment of the mother promise which would lead to the coming Messiah.
Enoch also prophesied God’s Word in a godless world and an apostate church. Enoch believed in God. He believed that God “is.” That is to say, he believed that God is faithful and near. Enoch trusted Him, obeyed Him, and placed his hope in Him. He loved God with all his heart, mind, and strength.
This determined everything in Enoch’s life. God took notice of this and made it known to him. Therefore, God granted him a special grace reward: he was taken directly to heaven by God without having to die.
How does Enoch’s faith serve as an example for us?
Singing: Ps. 27:7
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