Nothing describes the essence of Biblical religion more than walking with God, and no one illustrates it better than Enoch. His life story is told in just four short verses ( Genesis 5:21-24 ), yet his example illuminates the entire Biblical drama. Though Enoch's life was short compared to that of his contemporaries (he lived only 365 years), his impact for good was infinitely greater. What made the difference? It was not his education, abilities, good looks, family, wealth, or connections. Only one thing distinguished Enoch from everyone else: he walked with God.

It was a distinctive walk

In a long and monotonous genealogical list of names, Enoch stands out from all the rest. For others in the list - Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared, and Methuselah - the only thing we are told is that they lived a long time, had children, and died. Enoch was different. He walked with God. And like Noah ( Genesis 6:9 ) and Abraham ( Genesis 17:1 ), this made his life impact human history!

It was a sanctifying walk

When Adam sinned by eating the forbidden fruit, he was terrified at the thought of walking with God. So, when God came for their evening stroll, Adam hid among the trees of the garden ( Genesis 3:8 ). When we walk with God, we cannot also walk with sin. The one walk nullifies the other. This explains why God said to Abraham, "Walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1).

It was an intimate walk

"Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? (Amos 3:3 NKJV). The reason Jesus gave the all-encompassing invitation "Follow me" was so He could establish friendships with those He came to save. Christianity is a relationship long before it is a religion. The only way to know God is to walk with Him.

It was an adventurous walk

Doing the walk will lead you to places of mind-expanding discovery, heart-throbbing beauty, and white-knuckled adventure. No one suffers from boredom when they walk with God. Peter even got to walk on water! "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 NLT).

It was a homeward walk

When you walk with God, there is a destination in mind. You aren't walking in circles! He is leading you home. "Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him" (Genesis 5:24).  I imagine it this way: One day as they walked along, God turned to Enoch and said, "Hey, we're closer to my house now than we are to yours. Why don't you just come on home with me?" And he did.

Over and over in the New Testament, we are invited to do the walk. "Follow me," Jesus said in Matthew 4:19. And Paul often used this language when he spoke of Christian discipleship: "Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called" (Ephesians 4:1). The joy of salvation is discovered only as we step out by faith and walk with God.

Point to Ponder: Salvation is not just a change of status or a condition; it is a walk.

Originally published in Face to Face by Stan Key, Francis Asbury Press, 2019