Good Ole “Boring” Enoch

For before he was taken away, he was approved as one who pleased God. – Hebrews 11.5, CSB

Enoch. One of those mentioned in the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, about whom we know almost nothing. And yet he was “approved as one who pleased God.” But what did he do? What did he accomplish that would make him worth adding to the list of “Hall of Faith” recipients? In our “big ministry” culture of Christianity, he did nothing impressive. He wouldn’t be invited to speak at a conference or as a guest on a podcast. If he wrote a book, he would probably only sell dozens instead of thousands, and he may only have family and true friends following him on social media.

Enoch was 65 years old when he fathered Methuselah. And after he fathered Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and fathered other sons and daughters. So Enoch’s life lasted 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was not there because God took him. – Genesis 5.21-24, CSB

In our Christian culture of “big production” and unhealthy addiction to “mass gatherings,” we have Enoch. And what did he do? Did you see it? He fathered some sons and daughters. That’s all that we’re told. Nothing like the big names of Scripture we’re used to talking or preaching about. Nothing close to what our current “big names” of Christianity seem to have with a large following and big influence. He pretty much just took care of his family.

But with that, don’t miss the key thing about Enoch. It’s the only thing that’s repeated twice in Genesis 5 that was at the heart of him being spoken well of and vouched for as one who pleased God, so much so that God didn’t let him experience a physical death, but instead took him away before dying. 

So what did he do? 

“Enoch walked with God.”

That’s it. After the birth of his first son, Methuselah, he walked with God for 300 years. And he walked with God in such a way that he was approved as one who pleased God. And he is forever remembered as a simple guy who lived a faithful life for the long haul out of his daily walking with God. He didn’t lead any military campaign as God’s chosen and anointed. He didn’t preach to the masses. He didn’t take down a giant or raise the dead. He didn’t bring about a massive revival that would lead nations to repent and submit to God. He didn’t do anything that we would deem as “post-worthy.” He didn’t do anything that would cause anyone to share about him on social media. But what he did was the most beautiful and important thing about him. He walked in a way with God that caused God to make sure that he was remembered by every person who would read about him for thousands of years. It seems like God has a different standard when it comes to what he deems worthy to post and brag about.

Oftentimes, I struggle with whether I’m doing anything that will be truly impactful and lasting. I often get caught up in the comparison game of what other pastors or Christian leaders are accomplishing. And it usually leads me into a place of feeling insignificant. When that happens, I find myself becoming less and less content or grateful for what God allows me to do with him. Comparison begins to choke out the joy of simply walking with God. It was this morning, as I’ve been going in circles with these thoughts of insignificance for the past few days, when the Lord met me with this beautiful reminder of Enoch. Most of my days are filled with the same “insignificant” things that no one would post about. But what I am thankful for is that I walk with God. My walk with him is the most important thing to me.

I know and love Jesus. I intimately walk with him, desiring to know him even more. I sit with him to listen to him and tell him what he already knows is going on with me. I sit quietly with the Holy Spirit as he convicts and encourages me, calling me to deeper fellowship with him. And I am comforted and cared for by my Heavenly Father, who loves me unconditionally and without regret. I used to be driven to “make it” one day in the Christian celebrity inner circle. And while the majority of my soul is freed from that need, I see that my soul is still stained by this need from my past. And when that happens, God reminds me of my brother, Enoch — the simple and faithful man who pleased God by walking with him.

So I’m thankful, once again, that I get to walk with God. I’m thankful that I get to love my wife and boys. I’m thankful that I get to love and care for family and friends. I’m thankful that I get to love and serve the church of Christ-followers whom God has entrusted to me, in their victories and in their seasons of trial and defeat. I’m thankful for the gracious gift of getting to preach Christ’s gospel and teach his Scriptures. I’m thankful for the gift of God’s grace that saved my soul and gifts me every day with his new mercies every time the sun rises. And I’m honored that God has invited me to be part of his work as he continues to build his kingdom here on earth, one encounter with someone at a time.

I invite you not to miss out on the joy that comes with the simple and faithful life of walking with God. I invite you to stop comparing your life with others who seem to be doing more. I invite you to love your spouses, love your kids, love your neighbors, work your jobs, and help those you see around you from your deep and beautiful walk with Jesus. And I pray that you would hear his “atta boy” or “atta girl” as you live in joy-driven and grateful obedience to him.