Bible Reading: Genesis 5:21-23

“When Enoch had lived 65 years, he fathered Methuselah. Enoch walked with God after he fathered Methuselah 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enoch were 365 years. Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him” (Genesis 5:21-23)

If one or two lines were written to conclude our life, what would be written about us? For Enoch, his life was concluded in the phrase, “Enoch walked with God”. This was what others knew him for, and because of it, Enoch never died; instead, God carried him away to heaven. 

Life on earth is short, and death is inevitable. Though the patriarchs lived for close to a millennium, each of their deaths was clearly mentioned. Reading Genesis 5 as a whole, we see Adam died, Seth died, Enosh died, Kenan died, Mahalalel died, and so on. Because of sin, no one can live forever. Death is coming to all sooner or later. 

The patriarchs might have lived longer than us today because life before the flood was most likely because the world was fuller with blessings and heavenly activity was more prominent on earth. You can see how after the flood, people’s lives became increasingly shorter. Now our lives fit the pattern of what Moses resounded in Psalm 90:10, “The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.”

Life is short, and it will end. What will our life be known for? Do not think I am young; I can fix my life up later when I am old. Not all people are blessed with old age. Who knows, we could die tomorrow. 

The issue of life, finding the reason for our existence, is a pressing matter that must be addressed in the present. We cannot wait or procrastinate. Who are you, and where will you go after death? 

We all can learn from Enoch. To him, life was fully consecrated and devoted to walking with God. To this end, we as humans were created. We were made for walking with God, relating intimately with Him and serving Him in His kingdom. I’m sure we have heard of this many times. Yet, how closely are you walking with God now? How present is God’s presence in our lives? Of course, God never leaves and always sustains His children. But, to consciously know that God is by our side, to be able to talk to Him intimately in prayer and hear His voice through His Word, is another experience and grace altogether. 

If we do not walk with God, if this is not the purpose of our existence, our lives are lived out in vain. We miss the purpose of life. What are you doing with your life today? The matter of walking with God is not for the future. It is a present matter, and you must respond now. Will you pursue walking with God, or will you continue to walk in your own sinful ways? 

Lord, please teach us to walk with You. In this short and fleeting life, please help us to find who we are and what You have ultimately created us to do. Draw us nearer by Your side. Create love in our hearts for You. May our lives as youth from today until we die to be lived walking with You, growing in our relationship with You, serving You, and preparing for the day when we will see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Hans Sangtoki (18) is the coordinator of RE Generation Z. He has a passion for serving his generation and sharing hope in Christ. He also has an interest in classical music and dreams of conducting an orchestra one day.

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox.