February 19
Pleasing people
By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Hebrews 11:5 (NKJV)
Up to this point in our series of studies on faith, we've examined the definition of faith, the object and source of faith, the benefits of faith, and even the relationship between important practices in the Christian life and faith. But from here on out, we're going to switch gears and look at some biblical examples of faith, and we're going to do so by going to arguably the most definitive area on faith in the entire Bible, Hebrews Chapter 11.
Our first example is Enoch. This is one of those instances where you sense that God has a strong sense of humor. The Bible tells us about a man named Enoch who walked with God, and then one day it says that God just took him up without him dying!
Here's something that the Lord could have written several chapters on for our inquisitive minds. "How exactly did this happen? Was it slow or fast? What did all the other people think who saw it? How did Enoch breathe once he was out of earth's atmosphere?"
Yet God doesn't spend a lot of time describing the details. All He really reveals is that Enoch "pleased God," and that this testimony was based on his faith, on his firm belief in what lay beyond this earth.
Above all else, the Lord wants Enoch's example to teach us that it's impossible to live a life that pleases Him apart from faith. His love is unconditional, but we please Him with our faith. Let's be sure to remember that as we purpose in our hearts to be people in whom God is well pleased.
But without faith it is impossible to please Him… (Hebrews 11:6 NKJV)
Think About It…
What does this passage reveal to me about God?
What does this passage reveal to me about myself?
Based on this, what changes do I need to make?
What is my prayer for today?
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