Enoch
Time. This is one of the most essential human commodities. The actual passage of time can be both subjective and objective. It depends on the person and the situation. I have had the fortune to be present and witness the birth of all three of my children. In the moments before and during, time seems to stand still. It is as if the whole world stands still to witness the birth of a new blessing. In the clinical notes, you would probably see delivery at x:xx. In my current role as pharmacist, I have to assist on Code Blue Response Team and I have experienced the later side of life on some of the responses. In this situation, the time phenomenon occurs again: time stands still. I have first hand knowledge because I am the record keeper. I have to announce the minutes until the next medication can be given and the other functions that are occurring in the room. Every time that I have recorded codes, it seems like 5 minutes have passed, but in actuality only 30 seconds have elapsed.
The patriarch that we have the opportunity to review this week is Enoch. Enoch was the son of Jared and father to Methuselah. Genesis 5:18-24.
18 When Jared had lived 162 years, he fathered Enoch. 19 Jared lived after he fathered Enoch 800 years and had other sons and daughters. 20 Thus all the days of Jared were 962 years, and he died.
21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. 22 Enoch walked with God[a] after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters.23 Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. 24 Enoch walked with God, and he was not,[b] for God took him.
Enoch was sixth generation descendant from Adam. His son, Methuselah, was recorded to be 969 years old when he died, 39 more years than Adam and the oldest in the line of Adam. One interesting aspect of this family tree and lineage is Enoch was able to see and interact with Adam. How awesome would this be? Actually knowing your great-great-great-great grand father?
I personally was not granted the opportunity to meet either one of my grandfathers here on this earthly plain, but I have the memories of them that have been told by countless individuals that I can almost picture them: their smile, their laugh, and their smell. It is funny how we can learn so much from the family that remains and capture a piece of the past. My son was fortunate to see and meet his great-grandfather and two great-grandmothers. He was able to meet grandpa Mark and have him at his baptism. He was able to visit grandpa Mark on the farm in Kansas several times and actually know him. This week marks the fifth anniversary that grandpa Mark made his heaven journey.
In my imagination, I can see Adam talking to his grandson, Enoch. Enoch is able to spend several centuries with Adam and learning about the time before and the current time. Enoch was able to sit and absorb the wonders of the garden and the richness of the land. He was able to see how despite the events of the past, God is truly faithful to his promise and he can see the first complete-hand made image of God, Adam. We have to remember that Adam was the first person made to live forever by the hands of God. He was miracle and example of God’s awesomeness. Enoch was able to see all of these attributes and this allowed him to create and nurture a relationship with God that is unique and countless. Enoch’s faith and relationship with God is an example of true devotion and love. Hebrew 11: 5-6.
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.
Heavenly Father, Please grant us the ability to have the faith as Enoch and create and foster a relationship with you that is pleasing in your sight. Thank you for being outside of time and space and holding it all together. Amen
