Greg Chandler
01/12/14
Genesis 5 provides a small amount of information about a number of people. In this chapter, God traces the descendants of Adam, giving a brief summary of their time on earth. While most of these men have the same information provided, God provides something different about Enoch. Genesis states “Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (5:24). From this scant detail, one learns that Enoch was the first man to leave the earth without going through the grave. The Hebrew writer presents more on the subject. Hebrews 11:5 records “by faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.” This man’s unusual departure speaks about the light that he allowed to shine while walking the earth. His example also illustrates what God expects from those today who desire to let their lights shine. He went on to state “and without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him (11:6).” All of those who seek to please the Lord must give reverent attention to the two points made by the writer.
Belief in the existence of God is the foundation of faith in Him. This seems such an elementary point, yet the inspired Hebrew writer states it is essential in pleasing God. This goes beyond a simple academic acceptance. There are many who, after viewing the complexities of nature, state that there is a God. Yet, these very ones fail to seek this God and determine how to please Him. There are also those who view religion as somewhat of an eternal “safety net.” They have doubts about the existence of God, yet do not want to meet Him in judgment in the event that He does exist. Neither of these scenarios presents the kind of faith the writer demands in believing God exists. True belief in God will bring one to seek to draw near Him. Far from having the concept that He is a distant entity, the one who truly believes God exists understands that this God has a personal interest in His creation. It is because of this that words such as “humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:6-7) can be believed.
Interestingly, the writer then states that a belief in God’s rewards is essential to pleasing Him. This is far from the notion that one only serves God for rewards. Someone who views God’s commands as a weariness, yet haphazardly seeks to carry them out only to enter the “pearly gates” has no concept of spirituality. The second admonition of the writer builds on the first. To please God, one not only believes in His existence, but also believes that God will not forget His faithful. It is trust that the almighty God knows each of His children and will graciously reward them for eternity. In regards to this idea, Jesus stated “are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:29-32). The man or woman of faith longs for the day of reconciliation with God. It is not streets of gold or mansions over the hilltop that the faithful desire. It is an unending day with the Creator and Savior. It is the reward of eternal unification with the God who has faithfully led His children home.
In the hymn I Know Whom I Have Believed, author Daniel Whittle summed up the ideas expressed by the Hebrew writer. In the fifth stanza of this old song first published in 1883, he wrote “I know not when my Lord may come, at night or noonday fair, nor if I walk the vale with Him, or meet Him in the air.” The refrain goes on to state “but I know Whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able to keep that which I’ve committed unto Him against that day.” Though he lived millennia before these words were penned, Enoch knew in whom he believed and was persuaded that his God could save. May every Christian have the same faith as this light in the world and live to please God by believing He exists and rewards those who faithfully follow.