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Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methuselah. And after the birth of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered sons and daughters. So Enoch's life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not there, because God took him. - Genesis 5:21-24 HCSB

Enoch’s grandson, Lamech, must have been really influenced by Enoch’s faith. Not only did Lamech name his son “Noah” which means “rest”, but he brought Noah up to be a righteous man in a totally corrupt age.[1] Noah followed Hashem’s instructions exactly,[2] preached righteousness and warned others of the consequences for not seeking God[3] and he did this for 120 years even though people laughed and mocked his labors. Think about it. Even after 120 years of preaching, he was only able to save 8 people. Then in complete submission to the Lord, Noah got into a boat that had no sails, no rudder, no means of obtaining direction. Talk about perfect trust! All this came because Enoch walked with God. Enoch’s godliness was passed on to Methuselah, who passed it on to Lamech, who passed it on to Noah.

Grandparents, your lives will effect future generations. The question is – what kind of lives are you modeling for your descendants? What effect will you have? Listen to what the author of Hebrews had to say about Enoch:

“By faith, Enoch was taken away so that he did not experience death, and he was not to be found because God took him away. For prior to his transformation he was approved, having pleased God. Now without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.”[4]

You may say, “I don’t know what to do! My children are not following in my footsteps. They are not teaching my grandchildren as I taught them to.” Each person stands alone in their decisions concerning Adonai and His will. But the Scriptures assure us that our teachings will stick with our children their whole lives, even if they choose to ignore them.[5]

What Adonai asks is that you both practice and teach your grandchildren faith in God, not only believing that He exists but teaching them that He is our Judge, rewarding whom He will and disciplining whomever He finds in need of it.

And whenever you are given the chance, be like Timothy’s grandmother, Lois. She practiced a sincere faith in front of her daughter, Eunice, and her grandson, Timothy.[6] Under Lois’ influence, Eunice named her son Timothy which means “Honoring God.” But Lois went further and taught her grandson the Scriptures from childhood which instructed him for salvation through faith in the Messiah Yeshua.[7]

Your job is not to spoil your grandchildren. Your job is to influence them in such a way that they become a joy to both their parents and to the Lord God. Teach them to be faithful, obedient, respectful and responsible. Be fun, but be wise.

[1] Genesis 6:8-9; Ezekiel 14:14

[2] Genesis 14:14-16

[3] 2 Peter 2:5

[4] Hebrews 11:5-6

[5] Proverbs 22:6

[6] 2 Timothy 1:5-6

[7] 2 Timothy 3:15

"Today's Little Lift" from Jim Bullington

Mercy and not Sacrifice (Sept. 30, 2010)