The story of Enoch is very short. Yet, it is a great story. His entire story has been told in just a few verses in the Old Testament and New Testament. Though we read very little about him, he leaves a lasting impression in the minds of the readers. I wish to record 3 extraordinary qualities found in him for the benefit of readers.
Point No.1
“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 other sons and daughters” (Genesis 5/21-22). Enoch lived 365 years, out of which “he walked with god” for 300 years. What does it mean? It does not mean that the Lord came down from heaven physically and lived with him. Nor did Enoch go to heaven. Enoch was living in this world in the same surroundings as existed before. He moved with the same persons living around him. Nothing changed after the first 65 years of his life. Yet, he understood God’s laws and obeyed. He lived a life that was pleasing to the God. While others continued to live in the same wicked way, Enoch lived according to God’s commandments. The author meant only this and observed with delight that Enoch walked with God. We live in this world with so much of knowledge and information on God’s teachings, his desires and plans for our lives. But we want to please only our bosses, family members, friends, leaders, etc. We ignore God’s commandments. Enoch was different. He walked with God. That is why, the author of the book of Hebrews wrote like this, “For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased god”. (Heb 11:6). Even before he was taken away from the world, that is, all through his earthly life, he was living a life that was pleasing to Govt. With whom we are walking? Are we living in the manner God expect?
Point No.2
Apostle Jude of the New Testament age wrote like this about Enoch. “It was Enoch, who long ago prophesies this against them; “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the Godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that Godless sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 1/14-15). The whole world expects the second coming of Jesus Christ. But Enoch, as early as in the days of Genesis, prophesised about the coming of Christ. Till the book of Jude was written, everyone believed that Abraham was the first prophet in the world (Genesis 20/7). But this position stood changed after Jude was written. What is more amazing about Enoch’s prophecy is that he clearly told that our “speeches” also are liable for conviction. The earlier belief that we are liable only for our “deeds” came to an end. What an astonishing turn in the understanding of God’s law! All credit goes to Enoch.
Point No.3
“Enoch walked with God; he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5/24). Not only he was the first prophet, he was the first person to be taken to heaven skipping the physical death. A privileged person. That is why, many European Churches celebrate Enoch as a saint.
Among the people living in the pre-deluge period, Enoch was the only person living less number of years . But, out of this limited period, he walked with God almost 80% of his life. Living long life is not a matter at all. With whom we are living? Are we living with the Lord? I close this topic with these questions.
(JOSEPH STEPHEN)
Cell: 9841019133
Point No.1
“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 other sons and daughters” (Genesis 5/21-22). Enoch lived 365 years, out of which “he walked with god” for 300 years. What does it mean? It does not mean that the Lord came down from heaven physically and lived with him. Nor did Enoch go to heaven. Enoch was living in this world in the same surroundings as existed before. He moved with the same persons living around him. Nothing changed after the first 65 years of his life. Yet, he understood God’s laws and obeyed. He lived a life that was pleasing to the God. While others continued to live in the same wicked way, Enoch lived according to God’s commandments. The author meant only this and observed with delight that Enoch walked with God. We live in this world with so much of knowledge and information on God’s teachings, his desires and plans for our lives. But we want to please only our bosses, family members, friends, leaders, etc. We ignore God’s commandments. Enoch was different. He walked with God. That is why, the author of the book of Hebrews wrote like this, “For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased god”. (Heb 11:6). Even before he was taken away from the world, that is, all through his earthly life, he was living a life that was pleasing to Govt. With whom we are walking? Are we living in the manner God expect?
Point No.2
Apostle Jude of the New Testament age wrote like this about Enoch. “It was Enoch, who long ago prophesies this against them; “The Lord will come with many thousands of his holy angels to bring judgment on all, to condemn them all for the Godless deeds they have performed and for all the terrible words that Godless sinners have spoken against him” (Jude 1/14-15). The whole world expects the second coming of Jesus Christ. But Enoch, as early as in the days of Genesis, prophesised about the coming of Christ. Till the book of Jude was written, everyone believed that Abraham was the first prophet in the world (Genesis 20/7). But this position stood changed after Jude was written. What is more amazing about Enoch’s prophecy is that he clearly told that our “speeches” also are liable for conviction. The earlier belief that we are liable only for our “deeds” came to an end. What an astonishing turn in the understanding of God’s law! All credit goes to Enoch.
Point No.3
“Enoch walked with God; he was no more, because God took him away” (Genesis 5/24). Not only he was the first prophet, he was the first person to be taken to heaven skipping the physical death. A privileged person. That is why, many European Churches celebrate Enoch as a saint.
Among the people living in the pre-deluge period, Enoch was the only person living less number of years . But, out of this limited period, he walked with God almost 80% of his life. Living long life is not a matter at all. With whom we are living? Are we living with the Lord? I close this topic with these questions.
(JOSEPH STEPHEN)
Cell: 9841019133
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