“Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters” (Genesis 5: 21, 22).
Walking is on the move in America. Growing numbers are now including walking as part of a physically active lifestyle, and about 50 percent of people in the United States currently get enough aerobic activity to improve their health. Inactive adults are at greater risk for heart disease, stroke, type-2 diabetes, depression, and cancer. Some researchers believe every minute of walking can extend your life by two minutes.
Enoch understood the value of walking, but it was much more than a chance to stretch his legs. Enoch walked with God. This seventh descendant of Adam pursued a closer communion with his Creator daily. After the birth of his first son, Methuselah, the focus of this god-fearing Bible figure to connect with heaven became even more intense.
As an ancestor of the coming Messiah, Enoch hungered to know the Lord so much that the growing wickedness on the earth repulsed him. The man, whose name means “dedicated,” became so attuned in his walk with the Creator that one day he walked straight through the gates of heaven. “And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:24).
In a world destined for death because of sin, it was a sign of hope among the remaining godly antediluvians to know that there was life beyond the grave. The face of the Lord was not against all humanity but was reaching out a welcoming hand. Enoch’s translation to heaven encouraged others to pursue a deeper walk with God, an exercise with eternal benefits.
Enoch is the oldest human being who has ever lived and continues to live without seeing death. On this earth he lived 365 years. Why not make a commitment this year to walk 365 days with God. He’s ready and waiting to join you.
Lord of heaven and earth, may today mark the new beginning of a closer walk with You that extends throughout the entire year—and in eternity!
For Further Study: Genesis 6:9; 17:1; Psalm 116:9; Hebrews 11:5