Abducted by God

Amber alert: Man last seen walking along Mediterranean beach. Local resident happened to see something unusual happening. “Yeah, uh, I was walking along and I saw something come down from the sky and pick this guy up from the shoreline.” When asked for a description of the abductor, he said, “I didn’t, uh, get a really good look at him. He looked kinda’ god-like with a ski mask or somethin’, if you know what I mean.” Investigators have a little information on the abductee. The man was a young 365 years old with a few sons and daughters and every reason to live. Somehow, he seems to have just vanished.

Walking means fellowship

The Good News Bible gives this report about Enoch’s abduction: “He spent his life in fellowship with God, and then he disappeared, because God took him away” (Genesis 5:24). Do you live your life in fellowship with God? Do you walk with Him through life’s mundane tasks and rituals? Being a man of God is not high drama but consistent relationship. A dad and son can walk along the beach together just chatting and enjoying each other’s company. At some point, a dad overwhelmed with emotion could snatch his young son up into his arms. That is probably what happened to Enoch—God just wanted him closer than close.

Walking with God makes you taller

Small men shrink away from walking with God. When Adam heard God walking through the garden, he slinked into the shadows. Walking with God requires a change of pace, a change of priorities, and a changed destination. Most men are not ready to follow. The few men big enough to follow will leave legacies of fellowship. Interesting how Enoch walked with God, so He took him home. Yet Adam walked away from God and got the boot.

Walking, not marching

Enoch did not walk with God so he could leave earth ahead of schedule. He just walked with God. We do not live for God in order to qualify for the rapture; we just live in fellowship with God. It is not about the “how” of our relationship, but the “why.” Do I hang with God for fear of hellfire? Or do I chum with Him because I think He’s cool? Love enjoys time together. Fear only does the required 15 minutes in the morning.

Live for God’s pleasure

Enoch did not die because of his faith (friendship) with God. He expected great things from this relationship. He trusted God with everything. He believed in God with all his heart. God was so pleased with Enoch’s unswerving devotion He took him home for good. No man today can please God without that same loyalty (Hebrews 11:5). I must believe in the Living God and expect Him to reward diligent seekers (Hebrews 11:6). I must follow wherever He goes as I pray and read His word. Soon, He will scoop me up in His arms and I will not have to come back to this place any longer.