Talk The Talk And Walk The Walk Series

TALK THE TALK AND WALK THE WALK (GENESIS 5:20-23)

A little Sunday school girl (was asked to describe Enoch) said this about Enoch: “Enoch was a man who learned to walk with God, and they used to take long walks together. One day they walked so far that God said, 'Look, Enoch, it's too far for you to go back; just come on home with me.' So he walked on home with God.” http://pbc.org/dp/stedman/hebrews1/0094.html

I asked my good friend Rev. Michael Wu on an internet chat: “I am working on Enoch, do you have anything to say about him to my congregation?” After an awkward pause, these words appeared on my monitor: “Enoch is one of the two youngest board members of our church. Born in LACAC (church). 26 years-old. Enoch means steady - word root related to Amen in Hebrew. Maybe his parents want him to be steady in following Christ. I pray for that definitely.”

Of all the fifteen identified heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11, Enoch’s story in Genesis is the shortest text, with the brightest hope, and the least mentioned today. For example, when was the last time you hear a message about Enoch from the pulpit?

The phrase “walked with God” refers to the abundant life and blessed fellowship with God, the greatest spiritual experience of our lives. The only other person to do so was Noah (Gen 6:9), Enoch’s great grandson born 69 years 69 after Enoch was taken up. The theological implication of Enoch’s transportation to heaven is monumental: Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, the tree of life was guarded, consequently the repeated pronouncement and epitaph in Genesis 5 “and he died” was the fate of all men. Man’s first real physical death was recorded in the same chapter. Beginning from Adam, through six generations before (5:5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20) and two after Enoch’s era (5:27, 30), everyone except Enoch died. Why? Because he walked with God. Not only did he not die, he had no negative review, brightened with a lengthy, steady and daily relationship with God. The dread and destiny of death was broken. Living in sin means death but walking with God means life; it is a possible, positive and precious experience.

What characterizes a man who is so close to God? Is it attainable, sustainable, and practical? What profits those who spend substantial quality time with God?

Be Partners in a World of Change

20 Altogether, Jared lived 962 years, and then he died. 21 When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. (Gen 5:20-22)

Beginning from September last year (2012) my wife and I have been taking a walk every night after dinner. At first it was unplanned; it was a suggestion that became a habit. Now we could not wash the dishes and walk the round soon enough, circling the island where we live. Mostly, we hold hands and we pray – about our relationship with God, with each other, and with others, including family, friends, church and coworkers. The walk lasts about 40 minutes.

If I were by myself, one fourth of the trail is dedicated to my relationship with God, one fourth to family and the other fourth to unsaved family members, and the last to friends, church and coworkers. I often call it my prayer walk, because I would often lift up my hands in prayer as I also pray for the weekend service, including the sermon and the people I address.

The bonuses are numerous. The first is that I have been more prayerful and godly. Second, we are not chained to the TV, the Internet or the couch. The third is our relationship has improved because we share freely on the road, but have independent interests at home. Four is the envy of women: I have lost 15 pounds since last year, thereby I am more alert in body, mind and heart. The fifth is I can afford to listen to other pastors. When I was away on a missions trip, I would download sermons and walk the neighborhood, listening to a full 40-minutes message in the process. Now I cannot imagine not walking even for a day.

A London newspaper once offered an attractive cash prize for the best answer to this question: “Which is the shortest trip to London?” Letters poured in, theories sprang up, and readers followed the outcome closely until the sponsors announced the prize-winning answer. The winning entry was this: “The shortest way to London is good company.” (7,700 Illustrations # 3903)

No matter how far the distance and rough the trip, the travel is short and sweet with the right company.