He Was Not

Today's Verse:

And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him. ~Genesis 5:24 

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Enoch’s name means “dedicated.” To be dedicated means to be wholly committed and devoted to someone or something. It implies being wholly controlled and owned by the possessor. However, Enoch’s life did not change until he experienced the birth of his first son, Methuselah, at age 65. His life took on a new and higher priority. For the remaining 300 years of his life on earth, we are told that Enoch walked with God. The final description of his character and life was three words: "he was not." Let us see the powerful impact of that description. 

We see his sanctification. 

“Enoch walked with God.” Enoch made his relationship with God the priority of his life. Sanctification refers to being set apart for God. It is yielding our bodies and life to God to be used for His glory. Sanctification is when we separate our life to God. When it says “he was not,” it implies he was not defiled with covetousness and worldly lusts. He was not living in sin. He was not idling away his time. He was not living a life of compromise or shame. Walking with God involves reading, studying, and memorizing God’s Word. Walking with God includes having extended seasons of prayer. The presence of God was all over Enoch. Enoch was a holy and just man because he walked with God. 

We see his reputation. 

Everyone who knew Enoch saw that “he was not.” He was not like them in speech. He was not like them in conformity. He was not like them in social settings. He was not like them in ambition. Enoch’s reputation was that he walked with God. He was a man of God. If other people wanted to play games, Enoch walked with God. If other people wanted to make more money, Enoch walked with God. Enoch couldn’t get enough of fellowship with God. Do the people who know you see any evidence that you walk with God? Do you have a reputation for having a sweet walk with God? 

We see his commendation. 

We are told in Hebrews 11:5 that “he had this testimony, that he pleased God.” God was pleased with Enoch’s walk and life. How was it evident that God was pleased? Enoch saw a consistent stream of answers to his prayers. Enoch was inspired in his Bible reading and got fresh messages that he preached. Enoch didn’t have the anxieties, worries, frustrations, and attitude problems other people had. The greatest commendation of the Christian life is that God is pleased with us. He was not dishonorable. He was not missing in his walk. He was not about himself, but all about God in his walk. Does your walk with God have a commendation like that of Enoch? 

We see his evacuation. 

“God took him.” Enoch lived in a world that was corrupt, violent, and wicked. As a preacher, he preached against sin. He preached about the coming of the Lord. He walked consistently with God for 300 years. He got so close to God that God removed him in an instant. God took him home. God took him before judgment came. When God took him, he was not living a shameful life. When God took him, he was not wasting time. When God took him, he was not little in faith. Are you ready for the Blessed Hope of when Jesus comes? How will God find you when the Rapture occurs? 

Enoch “was not.” Be challenged today to be a man or woman who “was not.” 

Have a victorious God Morning! 

Reading Schedule: Psalm 17-20

#Genesis #Enoch #Sanctification