By Kevin Harris, pastor of the Illawarra Community Baptist Church in Wollongong, NSW
By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Hebrews 11:5-6
What a testimony to have! ‘He pleased God.’ Enoch was known by family and neighbours alike as one who delighted the Lord.
The word ‘pleased’ refers to being fully agreeable and is the word ‘wellpleasing’ in Hebrews 13:21. Since we were created for His pleasure1, it is the highest fulfilment of our lives when we please our Maker and Master.
There are many hints in Scripture as to how we can please the Lord2. But what did Enoch do that pleased the Lord?
To answer that question we have to consult Genesis 5:24 which says, ‘And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.’ Enoch spent much time communing with the Lord. Evidently the Lord so enjoyed this fellowship with Enoch that He took him to paradise early3.
Imagine bypassing death!
The lesson for us is to exercise faith in God. As Enoch walked by faith and not by sight, connecting with a God he could not see, so can we today.
While others fret about modern-day troubles, we can lean on the God who holds the whole world in His hands.
Father, do I please You? Help me to take courage from Enoch’s example and ‘diligently seek’ You. I may not avoid death, but what blessings I’ll enjoy as I delight Your heart. Absolutely nothing is more satisfying or rewarding than to bring You joy! Keep that goal in my focus. I ask this in the Name of the Lord Jesus, Amen.
1 Revelation 4:11
2 If you want to study other ways to please the Lord, you might look up Romans 12:1; 14:18; Philippians 4:18; Colossians 3:20 and Hebrews 13:16.
3 I say ‘paradise’ because Old Testament saints did not go to heaven to be in the presence of the Lord like we do. They went to the heart of the earth. Upon His resurrection, the Lord Jesus apparently took them to heaven. See Matthew 12:40; Luke 16:22-23; 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:6-8; 12:4; Ephesians 4:8-9 and Revelation 2:7.
This article was written by Kevin Harris Dapto pastor of Illawarra Community Baptist Church.