Seek Him

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Scripture: Hebrews 11:5-6 (ESV)

5 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. 6 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.

Devotion

            Today’s scripture tells the story of Enoch from Genesis chapter 5. The details of Enoch’s life are sparse in the Biblical record. However, many legends and folk tales have grown up around this mysterious figure. One central theme can be sifted through the sands of legend and stories about Enoch, and the writer of Hebrews captures it well. “He [Enoch] was commended as having pleased God.”

            O, that all people could have this simple testimony to claim as their own. Alas, we live in a fallen and broken world. For us living a faithful life is hard. And we know from this scripture that it is impossible to please God without faith. Enoch was apparently so full of faith that he was spared the agony of death and was taken directly to heaven by God. This is a very great reward for a righteous life. God’s own son had to experience death.

            The writer of Hebrews reminds us that by faith we must seek God with all our hearts we will find him. (Matthew 7.7) It is rare in our culture to find anyone who seeks after God. The great mass of people have run after various idols. Not idols constructed of metal or stone, but idols of our own making, sex, money, and fame to name a few. We sing songs of faith to remind our hearts that God is real. God exists whether we believe in him or not.

            God is waiting for us to come home to him friends. Like the father in the story of the prodigal son, God longs for all of us to put away our idols, repent and turn to him and receive forgiveness and mercy. A God who can simply “rapture” Enoch because of his great faith. That God can certainly rescue us from what ever trial we find ourselves in.

Prayer:

            Lord God, help us to be like Enoch. We want to be full of faith and good works so that your name will be praised, Father. Save us from our own idols this day. May we do whatever it takes to be rid of persistent sin in our lives. Help us Lord, to be men and women of faith, so that we may please you in every way. Amen.

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