Subscription Lists
Point of Reference
by Fred Price
Throughout biblical history, only two men are recorded as never dying; Enoch and Elijah. Both were considered prophets (see 1 & 2Kings and Jude 14,15), warning of impending judgement and both lived in a time when it was unpopular to follow the Lord and Him only.
Elijah boldly confronted the idol worship that was so prevalent in the Israel of his day, living in constant danger of retribution from the religious and political authorities who desired to silence him – permanently – if they could. Instead, at a point of God’s choosing, Elijah was transported to heaven in a chariot of fire. (2 Kings 2:11) He was never to be seen again except for a brief appearance – in glorified form – at the transfiguration of Jesus. (Matthew 17:1-9)
Elijah’s predecessor, Enoch, lived in a world that was vastly different from our own. The flood had not yet occurred, the “fountains of the deep” and the water canopy encircling the earth were still in place (Genesis 1:6 & 8:2), protecting its inhabitants from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun, moderating temperatures and minimizing wind currents and storms; making possible the extended lifespans noted in scripture of earth’s earliest inhabitants. Enoch living 365 years, his son Methuselah living to be 969 years old!
Despite all the favorable conditions for man’s long-lived survival, the one constant of all ages – sin – reared its ugly head. In the form of a snake in the garden, Adam and Eve were convinced to alter their relationship with God, by of all things, the temptation to become like Him. (Genesis 3:4) Consequently bearing murderous fruit for their sons and following generations. (Genesis 4:8) Longer life-spans not only aiding in the “subduing” and cultivation of the earth and society, but also accelerating its degradation; as religious fervor waned and the temptation to sin had to be guarded against not just for decades of time but for centuries.
I would like to believe Enoch’s faithfulness and bold witness reached the ears of his great-grandson Noah, likewise a just man who, “…walked with God.” (Genesis 5:24 & 6:9) And undoubtedly like Enoch, Noah became a “preacher of righteousness” (2 Peter 2:5) who was miraculously saved by God from his sin-sick culture as well. There is no way to tell if Enoch’s walk with God was as intimate as Adam and Eve’s (Genesis 3:8), but he none-the-less developed a deep understanding and love for his Maker; “walking with God” having the connotation of pleasing Him. (As in Hebrews 11:5) Pleasing God entailing acknowledging him as Lord and Savior, generating faith and faithfulness in the believer’s life. Another aspect of walking alongside someone being companionable fellowship, in this case the one walking with God would be seen as having been reconciled to him and in agreement with his purposes. Faith and faithfulness being imperative character traits of Christians as it was for Enoch, Noah, Abram, Elijah and all great men and women of God. The one qualifier being faith (Genesis 15:6) and then faithfulness attendant on our expressions of belief (Genesis 17:1); the “…obedience that comes from faith.” Romans 1:5
A primary evidence of salvation is a sinner’s desire to know God intimately and obey him fully, “…earnestly (NIV) diligently (KJ) seek(ing) Him.” Hebrews 11:6 God then promising, “If you walk in my statutes and keep my commandments, and perform them… I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be my people.” Leviticus 26:3 & 3:12; John reminding us of the truth and permanence of that promise when he writes “We know that we have come to know him if we obey his commands…”. And that, “…if anyone obeys his words, God’s love is truly made complete in him. Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did.” 1 John 2:3-6
A companionable, confident relationship with God being achieved when we realize that, “…the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16:9 (See also Psalm 33:14 & Proverbs 15:3) That confidence in him then compelling us to warn sinners of impending judgement (2 Thessalonians 1:5-10) and the means by which they can be saved from its grip. (I Cor.1:23,24)
One day Enoch took a walk with God and never came back (Genesis 5:24), his incredible transport to heaven possibly pre-figuring the rapture event believers will experience at Christ’s second coming. As, “in the twinkling of an eye,” we will be “caught up” to be with the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:52 & 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17)
In the end, Enoch’s life was exceptional not so much because of what he did but because of who he served. (His life’s story actually related in only 6 verses of Genesis 5) The important thing to remember is that Enoch was a member of the human race – sinners all. As such, he struggled with the same temptations, fears, weaknesses, needs and desires that plague every one of us. His ability to model righteousness came about as a result of his dependence on divine resources. Salvation by grace, righteousness through faith/faithfulness and empowerment by the Holy Spirit.
- Some information gathered from John MacArthur’s book Twelve Unlikely Heroes, subtitled – How God Commissioned Unexpected People in the Bible and What He Wants to Do With You, Thomas Nelson Publishing.
Rate it:
Fred Price - married (50 years), father of two grown children, grandfather of six.
Fred retired earlier this year after 42 years as a factory worker. He has always had a heart for young people and the challenges they face today. Over the years Fred has taught Discipleship Groups for High School and college students.
Receive the newest devotional each week in your inbox by joining the "Point of Reference" subscription list. Enter your email address below, click "Go!" and we will send you a confirmation email. Follow the instructions in the email to confirm your addition to this list.