Genesis 5:24 - Closer to Him
Scripture:
Genesis 5:24
24 Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.
NASU
Thoughts:
Bible teachers point to this as a man entering into heaven without
first passing through death. Like the prophet Elijah famously would
many hundreds of years later. What an awesome experience this must
have been! Not all Christians believe in the rapture of the church,
but those that do, point to this as an example of what awaits
believers, today.
The New Testament book of Hebrews gives us more commentary on this
verse:
Hebrews 11:5
5 By faith Enoch was taken up so that he would not see death; AND HE
WAS NOT FOUND BECAUSE GOD TOOK HIM UP; for he obtained the witness that
before his being taken up he was pleasing to God.
NASU
Christian, think about your life, today. Is it such that God would be
anxious to receive you to Himself? I don't mean to imply that we work
for our salvation because we do not, or that our salvation could
somehow be lost. But would you describe your fellowship with the Lord
right now as sweet or bland? Close or distant? Red hot or lukewarm?
Let us be encouraged by our ancient brother, Enoch. His walk with God
must have been wonderful indeed, that the Lord chose to bring
him home in a way only repeated once so far in history for mortal men
(in Elijah). What is keeping you from the close fellowship the Father
desires with you? Whatever it is, give it up. Nothing is worth
distant relations with your Maker.
Prayer:
Lord, I want to be closer to You; more aware of Your presence moment by
moment. I want to be someone like Enoch that You would desire to bring
home supernaturally, that our fellowship might be even closer!
Amen